Sligo Leitrim DSL to discuss options available

THE Sligo Leitrim and District Soccer League committee is hoping to meet with affiliates of the league when possible to discuss a number of options with a view to completing the 2019/20 season. The AGM cannot take place anytime soon due to Covid 19 restrictions.

“We are looking at some time immediately after the 20th July (once practical) to hold our AGM and discuss the best pathway forward at this meeting as well,” Noel Kennedy, Secretary, said in a circular sent to clubs and affiliates last Thursday.

Any suggestions for ways to complete the season are welcome, and while a couple of options are detailed, Mr. Kennedy stressed that these are only suggestions and not the only options available.

Option 1:

2019/2020 league commences Friday 28th August.

All outstanding league and cup games will be completed, while the 2020/2021 season will start in October. Option 2:

Sligo Southern Hotel Super League (current table top right):

Table remains as is with a one game play-off between Manorhamilton Rangers and Carbury FC to decide the title, while Cartron United would finish in third place (Manor are currently one point ahead of Carbury at the top of the table, with one game extra played).

St. John’s FC and Glenview Stars would be relegated.

Sligo Pallets Premier League (current table bottom right):

Home game with Ballymote Celtic v Real Tubber, if Ballymote Celtic win then a play off game will take place at Mac Sharry Park between Ballymote Celtic and Real Tubber to decide title (Tubber are five points ahead of Ballymote with three extra games played).

If Real Tubber win they will be crowned Champions.

Arrow Harps would then finish in 3rd place.

Arrow Harps would then take on Merville Utd (third bottom in super league) in a relegation/ promotion play-off, the winners would have have Super League Status for 20/21 season while the losers will play in the Premier League for 20/21.

Option 2 will allow the 20/21 season commence in late September with little or no disruption. Registration of players will be done in September so all players for 2019/20 season are eligible to play for their clubs in the closing rounds.

Mr. Kennedy added: “The above are SUGGESTIONS we will discuss all with our clubs and agree the best way forward in the meantime all ideas greatly appreciated.”

Under the FAI’s pathway for a safer return to football, amateur teams can return to training on August 10th, while they can return to competitive action on August 28th.

The Limerick District League last week announced that the season would not continue, and there would be no promotions or relegations.

The AUL cancelled all remaining fixtures for the rest of the season, and will allocate points based on a ‘pro rate basis’.

Their statement read as follows: “The FAI announced last Friday that the earliest that football games can begin again is 28 August with the season being extended to 11 October to facilitate any League that wished to fulfil the 2019/20 season. The new season will commence on 18 October.

“Based on the feedback from our Clubs, with many concerns raised about an early uncertain return and the HSE advice on safety measures the Executive Committee of the League has decided to cancel all remaining fixtures for the current season and to concentrate on gearing up for the new one. Points for remaining games will be allocated on a pro rate basis using points already won.

“This decision, while disappointing for many, does we hope provided a degree of certainty that will allow Clubs, players and referees plan their summers and the return to training and games.”