Editorial: Premier League is back – but there's room for all fans

​The opening weekend of England’s Premier League will, once again, spark debate in Northern Ireland football over a fan’s commitment to the parochial or the powerhouse.

Irish League supporters hold a fierce loyalty to the merits of our wee country’s own domestic game – for the ‘day trippers’ dedicated to boat, bus or plane journeys across the water from home shores there’s a pull provided by the biggest clubs in world football.

A connection to community stands as the biggest attraction our local clubs offer and, in stark contrast, that sense of being a part of something bigger, a global name, marks the broadstrokes appeal to those leaving every week for games in England or Scotland.

Those with a commitment to one form over all others will generally either dismiss fans rejecting the Irish League as glory hunters wasting money within a soulless machine in which you stand as a small number lacking any real value to the giants OR someone to be scoffed at for watching a lower standard of football at grounds often found wanting in terms of facilities supporting a level with minimal interest.

But Irish League attendances would not suddenly explode if every fan stopped the trips to Liverpool, Manchester United or Rangers and the idea only local football can give fans a true sense of connection is misguided.

Many football fans born in Northern Ireland hold a deep love for clubs beyond the borders of home and official figures confirm record-breaking numbers for Irish League football in terms of attendances and digital growth. In fact, the majority of fans simultaneously hold a passion for clubs in the Irish League, Premier League and/or Scottish Premiership.

All have merits and can co-exist – love of the beautiful game is the bottom line.