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Derry “on course” for First Division place
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Derry “on course” for First Division place
November 13, 2009
Derry City are on course to return to the League of Ireland in 2010 following high-level discussions between Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney and Derry City Council on Thursday.
Derry’s right to participate in the league was revoked last weekend following revelations of sustained breaches in player contract regulations.
With an entirely new board of directors set to be appointed and support from business people in the city, the club’s place in the First Division of the League of Ireland is expected to be approved pending the licensing process.
On Thursday, FAI chief Delaney met with a delegation of the Derry council and business community keen to secure the Candystripes’ survival, including city mayor Paul Fleming, Derry City Council chief executive Valerie Watts and deputy town clerk John Meehan.
And Delaney also admits that the prospect of winding up the current company behind the club in a bid to clear debts which are estimated to be around £500,000 is a distinct possibility.
He said: “It was an extremely good day for Derry City FC. Everybody’s on the same pitch here, everybody wants Derry back in the League of Ireland and today was a more than positive day to ensure that happens.
“We have identified a road map to get Derry back into the league next season and that is on course. I know it means a lot to the people of Derry to be part of the League of Ireland and it is also important to the FAI to have Derry in our league.
“It is important that Derry City survives, irrespective of which division they are in. They will have to start in a lower league - there is no way they can go straight into the Premier League - but if a proper application is made, they could be in the First Division next season.
“I would envisage a new company being set up, which would not be carrying these huge debts, and hopefully that will lead to Derry re-joining the league next season.”
Mayor Fleming, meanwhile, welcomed the discussions with the FAI and expressed his gratitude at the urgency displayed by the governing body in recent days.
He said: “I wish to express my appreciation to Mr Delaney and his delegation for the urgency which they have demonstrated in seeking to address the situation at Derry City Football Club.
“It is clear from our engagement that although the FAI was reluctantly forced to remove the participation licence of Derry City Football Club arising from the events of last week, the Association is strongly committed to ensuring the future of the Club within the League of Ireland framework.
“The Association has set out a clear roadmap for those shaping the future of the Club in pursuit of the continuation of senior football in the League of Ireland next year. Council will do whatever is possible to provide strong civic support for the return of the Club to League of Ireland football and assurances in this regard have been provided to the Association.”
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