Despite the European exploits of Cork City, Shamrock Rovers and Derry City, the headlines surrounding the League of Ireland this week have been mostly negative.
The Bray Wanderers situation is bleak. Having been made aware of financial trouble last Friday, the PFA announced that the club only had a week's wages left in the bank.
Keith Long is the manager of Bohemians, who've already beaten Bray twice this season. The Gypsies held a press conference ahead of tonight's game against Dundalk in Dalymount Park.
When the issue of the Seagulls situation came up, Long, quoted by the Irish Independent, did not hold back on how the league looks as a result:
Obviously, it is very disappointing for all concerned with the league to have this dragged through the mud again.
Unfortunately, this sort of news story is more commonplace in our league and it’s very disappointing because you are looking for respect.
(The league) is constantly being dragged into disrepute. You are looking for respect from other codes across the country, like the GAA or the rugby.
They look at our league and it’s laughable some of the things that go on. It doesn’t reflect well on any of us
Long spent five years at the Carlisle Grounds as a player. Understandably, he is less than pleased at the fiasco.
If Bray were to collapse before the season's end, there is no set precedent as to what would happen. If their results were expunged, Bohs would lose six points. That isn't ideal in the battle to avoid the relegation spots - as the majority of clubs below them would gain ground.
