Rovers to play Cork virtually!
SLIGO Rovers manager Liam Buckley admits that a virtual game is a new departure for him after over two decades in management.
Rovers are in action this weekend – at least virtually – when they take on Cork City in an online event being broadcast on YouTube with tickets available on www.sligorovers.com from €10 to €20.
The two clubs have combined for a unique fundraiser that will see a live broadcast that includes a simulated match, guest interviews, archive footage of Rovers v Cork through the last three decades, a match programme and half-time and full-time raffles.
Some big names in the football media have come on board, including RTÉ Soccer Correspondent Tony O’Donoghue who will give the team news, while Sligo’s Adrian Eames and Alan Cawley, both who work for RTÉ Sport will be commentating and analyzing the game.
Rovers confirmed this weekend that Richie Ryan will be one of the special guests as he joins live from Texas for an interview.
Fans will also feature, including a Zoom Supporters Club who will support on the night, plus messages from several well-known supporters on what they miss most.
Supporters have been picking the Rovers starting team via online polls.
As for Buckley, he will be interviewed before the game, but his role on the night is restricted.
“Well I’m told the fans are picking the team so that is certainly a new departure. I have a backseat role for the game you could say,” Buckley laughed.
“I think it’s a simulated computer game so I don’t have to worry about it too much, and that it’s more about bringing The Showgrounds match night experience to the fans so that is great. I hope it goes really well.”
Buckley said he has been in regular contact with his players.
As well as monitoring their training programmes, he says it is as important just to check in to see how they are coping at the moment, wherever they are in the world.
“We are monitoring their individual training via an online system and they are all doing their work, but it’s as important to check in on their general well-being. We all miss it, it’s our livelihoods, it’s our passion, I’ve been here around 18 months now and I know what it means to everyone here.
“From the outset of this crisis, it felt inappropriate to discuss football in the media as something of particular consequence.
“That feeling still remains, our greatest concern is for families, looking after ourselves and how we will all get through this. I hope everyone is keeping safe and I’m looking forward to getting back to training and matches as soon as it is safe and viable to do so.
“I’m in regular contact with the management committee on what the situation is in the league. It remains unclear, so we just have to wait and see.”
Buckley will be giving an interview from his home in Riverstown on the night of the virtual match.
“Well I will be looking ahead to the game. I’d like a win certainly! I think it should bring all the fans together and that is great.”
Tickets for the virtual game are available on www.sligorovers.com or www.srfcdirect.com
Meanwhile, the FAI last week was seeking clarification from Sport Ireland on conditions around the return of amateur adult and underage football following the publication of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FAI’s steering group met last Thursday in relation to a potential return for football and has advised all affiliates to postpone any decisions on a return to training or football until after the FAI concludes these talks with Sport Ireland and HSE officials.
FAI Interim Deputy CEO Niall
Quinn said: “We have submitted a series of questions to Sport Ireland seeking clarity on the five phases of easing the COVID-19 restrictions, as outlined in the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.
“Our Medical Director Dr. Alan Byrne is liaising with the HSE and the Department of Sport on the conditions that will facilitate a safe return for our players, coaches, volunteers and referees at the earliest opportunity.
“As soon as we have that detailed information, we will issue guidelines for our leagues and clubs on a return to training and action. We thank them for their patience and understanding as we gather all information before making the best decision for all concerned.
“Football will be back when the time is right. In the meantime, we thank all our members for obeying the lockdown and urge them to continue to follow HSE guidelines.”
Uncertainty continues over when sport will be able to return, as there are a huge amount of obstacles to overcome, particularly for contact sport.
As it stands, the League of Ireland is not expected to return until at least September.
For clubs who should be getting ready to play in the Champions League and Europa League qualifiers, there is added confusion.
A number of leagues in Europe have ended their seasons early due to the ongoing pandemic, while the Bundesliga is due to return this weekend but with the Dynamo Dresden squad now in quarantine, it raises questions over whether it is too soon to return to sport.