One live League of Ireland game a week - but not on a Friday, says Cork City's John Caulfield

Tue, 13 Feb, 2018 - 17:36

Steve Neville

John Caulfield has said more TV coverage is needed to improve the League of Ireland.

The double-winning Cork City manager was speaking with Oisin Langan at the launch for the 2018 SSE Airtricity League.

Caulfield said more exposure can help the league continue its growth.

"I think our written media coverage of the league here is phenomenal. It's top class.

"I just feel that more exposure we get on radio shows, TV shows, will enhance the game.

John Caulfield speaking during the SSE Airtricity League Launch 2018. Picture: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

"It's a professional league. It's a top league in our country. Every country in Europe has weekly matches on TV - we don't.

"Yes, a lot is going for our league. Yes, we are getting a lot of coverage. I believe we should be getting more because we are the top league in the country...we're playing in European football. "

Caulfield said he feels there should one League of Ireland game shown live every week in Ireland, but not on a Friday as is the tradition.

He feels supporters of the league don't get the benefit of the live game because they are normally supporting their own team on a Friday night, so the live game should be on a Thursday or Monday.

"I just think we need to get to the stage where we have a weekly game on TV. I don't think having a live match on a Friday night is a good idea.

At the SSE Airtricity League Launch 2018 are, Premier Division Players, from left, Derek Pender of Bohemians, Ian Bermingham of St. Patricks Athletic, John Martin of Waterford, Hugh Douglas of Bray Wanderers, Stephen O'Donnell of Dundalk, Conor McCormack of Cork City, Rafael Cretaro of Sligo Rovers, Eoin Wearen of Limerick, Trevor Clarke of Shamrock Rovers and Gavin Peers of Derry City. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

"I think we should have a live match on every Thursday night at half seven or eight o'clock because all the League of Ireland football family are out supporting their teams on a Friday night. If I'm a manager, if I'm a supporter, I want to see the game on TV, which you can't do (if on a Friday night.)"

Caulfield said he believes that growth is coming back to Irish football but more coverage is needed.

"The support is out there for us. There is growth coming back into our league, we can see that from the attendances.

"What we have to do is harness the young people and bring more young people into the game. And more exposure on TV gives you more coverage and gets the kids to understand the players' names and teams and gives you more profile.

The launch was taking place at the Aviva Stadium and 'The Greatest League in the World' kicks-off this weekend

Champions Cork City take on St Patrick’s Atheltic at Richmond park while there's a Dublin derby between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers