Split Loyalties!

Yes it has arrived, this weekend sees the start of that wonderful institution that's going to solve all our problems (football wise), the 'famous' or 'infamous' split. Belfast's big two get the ball rolling with a 'live' game on Sky Television tomorrow night, the also-rans begin their lesser games on Saturday. If the 'powers' that be are to be believed, gate takings will increase dramatically and the football being played will be of the highest quality. Ballymena begin this final phase with a game at home to our North-west neighbours, Institute. I will be greatly surprised, nay, I will be totally flabbergasted, if the 'Stute bring more than 15 fans, none of whom will play an entrance fee, while home fans will vote with their feet by giving this final phase a good boot into touch. It is a total waste of time and effort, much better to have carried on and played the other 11 games at least then we'd have played everyone twice, instead of the lop-sided affair which will prevail at the finish of this season. If that's not bad enough there's the bigger debacle concerning which teams will be promoted from the 1st division, it just gets weirder and weirder, I dread to think what 'hair-brained' scheme they'll come up with next!