Photo: Wexford FC club site
Wexford FC manager Ian Ryan has given his backing to a potential League of Ireland third division.
Reports in the Irish Mirror suggest that exploratory talks have already taken place between the FAI and interested parties in the establishment of a third tier for the League of Ireland.
Set on a regional basis, the league would see reserve League of Ireland teams compete with University sides, as well as teams from the Munster and Leinster Senior Leagues.
It could potentially bridge a gap for players leaving the U19 League of Ireland system, who haven't quite developed enough to feature in first-team senior squads.
Wexford FC boss Ian Ryan is speaking on SportsBeat Xtra this week, and has had extensive experience coaching with UCD.
He believes the idea, with the right backing, could be a game-changer for the league.
"I think it's hugely positive, I think it's probably where we need to go.
"There are players that come out of U19s and aren't ready to go into the First Division yet, and into that league would be a good standard, it would be a standard to develop players.
"Probably what it would come down to is financials again - it would be another team that would need travel and kit and everything else for cubs. That would be what it would boil down to.
"But in an ideal world, it would improve the infrastructure here and make the league more appealing again."
