Home Championship!

Norn Iron manager Lawrie Sanchez has called for the re-introduction of the British Home Championship, but in his wisdom has hinted at omitting England and substituting the Republic of Ireland (hereafter referred to as the Pub), instead. Such a scheme in my humble opinion would only work if we could acquire major Sponsorship (major car dealers please take note). I doubt that spectators alone would attend in high enough numbers to make the proposition financially viable. Would Scotland and Wales readily jump at the chance or would they prefer to let things stay as they are at present? Even the ‘Pub’ might not be as keen, whereas if England were involved I think they’d jump at the chance. Human nature being what it is, we all want to beat the mighty England, maybe we could arrange it that the winner plays England in a one-off game at the end of the season? If as I said earlier the other Celtic teams are not up for it, maybe we should spread the net a bit wider and offer an invite to teams like Finland and Norway, a minor European League involving the Pub and ourselves. We could stage the competition on Irish soil in one season and on Scandinavian soil the next. I think this would have a knock on effect for our wee team at least and I’m sure we could fit in the occasional friendly as well. The only interference might come in World Cup years when if one or more of the teams involved qualified for the big show (world cup finals), the competition would need to be cancelled. Maybe the international committee could put their heads together with their ‘British’ and ‘Irish’ counterparts and set the ball rolling on this venture. With the news that Setanta have promised at least four more years of the Setanta cup, maybe now is as good a time as any to get this competition off the ground. Just imagine Norn Iron playing the Pub at the new International stadium at the Maze in a Championship decider, sure you could sell the tickets ten times over. In fact can I put my name down for two tickets now, just in case it ever comes off!