The first of our new LoI-ers series for Season 17, TM Ireland talks to 2.3 Champs, Biffdons Athletic...

• So Biff, congratulations on making it back to the big time, have you got the squad this time to ensure a longer stay do you think?

In short, no. We certainly have a better squad this time around with some very solid talent and some great prospects. But the standard in all the leagues has shot up over the past few years, especially in the LOI. Back in the big time alright... but it’ll be more of a guest appearance than a residency me thinks :)

• You’ve had something of a yo-yo history: Div 5 in season 8 to div 1 in season 13, then two straight demotions to Div 3 and now back up, what caused this?

My original game plan for Biffdons was to buy big and storm through the leagues. It worked well and we were in the LOI in no time. But we were found out against the big boys. The problem was we had an old squad with no youth talent ready to step up and feck all money to buy in new players. Something had to give. So we sold off all our aging stars and the new game plan was to buy young and invest in our YD. That took time to develop and in the mean time we were relegated twice. But the young lads are gelling nicely now and back to back promotions has justified my decisions. We are still a few seasons away from where I want us to be but the future looks good.


• Which positions do you have concerns about?

Our main problem is our strength in depth. Like last time out in the LOI we just don't have a strong bench to fall back on. The young lads we have now are getting there but very few are ready to make that step up. In the starting 11, very few LOI standard players to be found :) but I’m happy with what I have.


• No money for the sales, is this a problem?

Ideal world, 3 or 4 big buys in the sales and we could possibly compete. But c’est la vie! We have been around the game a long time but in relative terms are still a small club, particularly in the transfer department. So we have to be a bit more creative with our signings. Our latest arrival Tony Conway  may be an auld codger but he will give us some valuable experience on the right flank. At 29 million... he could well be next seasons bargain buy if all goes according to plan! ;)

• A great season for Na Fianna, a poor showing from Askeaton and mediocre from Teabag and Sharks, what’s happening in the LoI?

Well Na Fianna were certainly due and are very worthy Champions. As for the other boys, it’s unusual of course to see the likes of Sharks, Askeaton and Teabag struggling in the table but it’s just the way the game has developed. 5 or 6 seasons ago, the gap between the likes of Teabag and Sharks and the chasing pack looked insurmountable. Now the league could realistically be won by 8 / 9 / 10 of the teams in the Division. Huge performances from the likes of Romero and Elland this year have really given hope to the rest of us that with enough perseverance, we too could one day be challenging for the title.

• Have you checked your future opposition yet and what concerns (or not) does this raise?

Let’s just say I looked at the current 18 squads competing, compared each to my own... and had 18 changes of underwear in quick succession. It will be a massive learning curve for my young lads but it should be good fun!

• Who would you put money on to win it in Season 18?

Na Fianna’s title win could have the bus effect for them, they waited this long and I wouldn’t be surprised if two came back to back. But I have a funny feeling Le Sharks will push on from this season's Cup win and lift the title next year.

• Any upcoming Biff youths you’d like to share with us?

Tom O Dwyer has been one of the big plus points to this season. He will be a big , big player for us in a few years I hope. 16 years of age, will hopefully start his bloom at 17 and his pre-bloom TI has been around the 17 mark. 9 different scouts all rate him as a 19/20* prospect. At the moment he’s looking like a very decent OML (which we don’t currently play) but who knows what our formation will be in 3 or 4 seasons. Worst case scenario, he hits 18, we sell and make a tidy profit.

• Any one team in particular you’d like to take down a peg or two next season?

I can’t see us touching many pegs to be honest :) and I don’t want to end up with epic volumes of egg on the old face so I’ll answer no to that one. (edit: Wolfie) ;)

• Where do you think you’ll end up (that old chestnut…!)

Somewhere in the bottom 3 i’d imagine. I’d like to be optimistic and say we’ll just nick the final play-off spot but the talent up there is just too strong for us. And besides, winning isn’t important, it’s the taking part that counts ;)

• Good luck with it.... hope to see you there (bollocks crossed...)