Regional League concept gets an airing

Interested to read that “issues, such as the Regional League concept” were discussed at the 29 club European Club Association meeting, held at Celtic Park yesterday.  12 of the 13 nations present would all benefit from the regionalisation of their leagues, while Wales (and England) already participates in a regional league.

We’ve seen a few campaigns similar to this – with the objective of delivering Celtic out of the confines of Scottish football, but this approach is different.  It seeks to build an alliance with similarly disenfranchised clubs across the continent.  The Austrians, Czechs and Slovaks would benefit from playing in Germany, the Scandinavians would benefit by grouping together, while the former Yugoslavian teams have long acknowledged the merits of resurrecting a Yugoslav-regional league.

I was a wee bit surprised that the “Regional League concept” discussions were acknowledged.  I heard they’ve been on-going for some time but no one wanted to discuss in the public domain.  This will have been a considered comment, designed to move the debate beyond those present at the meeting.

Many thanks for the tremendous response to our auction appeal to build a fourth school kitchen for Mary’s Meals in Malawi.  The kitchen will be at Chibwata Primary School in Dowa, which has 909 children enrolled.  Will bring you more details when I have them.

The auction is for two debenture hospitality seats at the Inverness game on Saturday, courtesy of Club sponsor, Magners.  It closes Friday morning, so keep an eye on it here.

Linda Croker has asked me to pass on her sincere thanks for all the support received for Sean’s Trust and the memory of St John Doyle from the CQN community. I know the last year has been enormously difficult for the family but your many small gestures have meant a lot.