Replying To omahant: "If we link each Prov SF loser to a current pairing in the 1sr Rd Qualifiers to form 8 groups of 3, it would be best that the SF losers play the 1st match winner next - otherwise, they could beat the 1st match loser and make the 3rd group match a dead rubber. Also, I'd prefer an Open Draw Rd of 20 (FA Cup style) but perhaps it's best to reward group winners and Prov Final losers as seeds, although not necessary hosts."
Good idea! Be sure to propose this to your local club over in North America ;) in the meantime, winter well and a happy new year to you!
Happy New Year to Hogan Admin and fellow posters.. Another idea - 11 groups (10x3, 1x2, 32 teams excl NY). Draw - 11 in Pot 1 (NFL Div 2 top 3 + Div 1) 10 in Pot 2 (Last 5 Div 2 + Top 5 Div 3) 11 in Pot 3 (Remaining 11). Draw 1 from each pot. After 2 group matches (incl 2 legs in 2-team group), all enter the 'Seeded KO Rd of 32'. 11 group winners are seeded 1-11 based on group record; 10 2nds (excl 2-team group) seeded 12-21; and 11 3rds 22-32. Rd of 32 (top half of draw) - [1v32; 16v17: 8v25; 9v24]; [4v29; 13v20; 5v28; 12v21]. Or, to put gteater emphasis on group performance - from Rd 2 on, highest seed draws lowest surviving seed etc.
To bake the Prov Championships into a group stage, try the following: Put a Prov SF into separate 8 groups of 4. Add 12 Prov QF losers to the group of their QF opponent and 4 Prelim losers with the Muns/Conn byes. After 3 group matches - 8 enter 2-chance Prov Finals, with the others entering 'Seeded 2nd Rd of 24' based on group record. 4 teams to 2 chance 'Champs SFs Playoff' played concurrently with 3rd Rd of 15. 2 teams to 2 chance 'Champs Final Playoff' played with 4th Rd of 10. 1 unbeaten Champ awaits winners from 3 AI QFs.
It seems likely FIFA may approve 16 groups of 3 this Tuesday, as an expansion to a 48-team World Cup Finals. Groups of 3 might also work in the early AI Championship rd. Keep the existing two-stream format with a few tweaks - Link each Prov SF loser with a current 1st Qual Rd pairing to form 8 groups of 3. Top 2 in each group and 4 Prov Final losers enter Rd 2, a KO Rd of 20. 6 of 8 'best record' group winners and 4 Finalists are 10 Rd 2 seeds (5 as hosts, 5 away in other ties). 4 Prov Champs play off - 2 losers to 12-team Seeded Rd 3 (6 of 10 'lowest NFL ranked' Rd 2 winners are unseeded, and up to 6 Away prior rd winners play as Rd 3 hosts). 6 Rd 3 winners join 2 unbearen Prov Champs in AI Last 8 (2x4 groups, or AI QFs).
Replying To omahant: "It seems likely FIFA may approve 16 groups of 3 this Tuesday, as an expansion to a 48-team World Cup Finals. Groups of 3 might also work in the early AI Championship rd. Keep the existing two-stream format with a few tweaks - Link each Prov SF loser with a current 1st Qual Rd pairing to form 8 groups of 3. Top 2 in each group and 4 Prov Final losers enter Rd 2, a KO Rd of 20. 6 of 8 'best record' group winners and 4 Finalists are 10 Rd 2 seeds (5 as hosts, 5 away in other ties). 4 Prov Champs play off - 2 losers to 12-team Seeded Rd 3 (6 of 10 'lowest NFL ranked' Rd 2 winners are unseeded, and up to 6 Away prior rd winners play as Rd 3 hosts). 6 Rd 3 winners join 2 unbearen Prov Champs in AI Last 8 (2x4 groups, or AI QFs)."
You could always approach your county board in north america, or county club over there if you are so interested in changing or amending the rules. Try the Kerry team in new york, they are a big name ;)
Replying To Donegalman: "You could always approach your county board in north america, or county club over there if you are so interested in changing or amending the rules. Try the Kerry team in new york, they are a big name ;)
Winter well in north america."
I presume that is meant to be a sarcastic sideways snide remark to someone who doesn't live on this Island. How childish of you. I would also like to know what makes you feel any better equipped to comment than someone who lives abroad.
s goldrick (Cavan) - Posts: 5518 - 10/01/2017 18:25:54
1944642
Replying To s goldrick: "I presume that is meant to be a sarcastic sideways snide remark to someone who doesn't live on this Island. How childish of you. I would also like to know what makes you feel any better equipped to comment than someone who lives abroad."
Yeah childish _ Long winter nights and nothing to do... Hard to know what county someone is from sometimes. I know you are Cavan for sure and I am Donegal. Less clear about others though, read posts and make your own mind up
Replying To s goldrick: "I presume that is meant to be a sarcastic sideways snide remark to someone who doesn't live on this Island. How childish of you. I would also like to know what makes you feel any better equipped to comment than someone who lives abroad."
Thanks for your kind words SG - sometimes, one can either stand or fall by being constructive or self destructive as they see fit.