John Fallon: How the other half live a real concern as LOI starting gun looms

What disadvantages provincial League of Ireland clubs, when the pool of domestic players remains shallow, is the cost of attracting talent from Dublin.

A monetary divide influencing a table split into regions is a pattern a thriving League of Ireland could do without. The new season gets underway on Friday. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

WHEREAS the fear at the start of last season was a duopoly leaving the rest behind, the chatter as the successor beckons on Friday is an even split emerging between the 10 teams.

It's an opinion not based on last year's table, rather judged by resources, but does carry a geographical trend. Four of the supposed big five are from Dublin, with Derry City further north completing the quintet.