Limerick chief O’Sullivan open to offers to take control of the club

LIMERICK owner Pat O’Sullivan says he is in talks with potential investors after confirming that he is open to selling the club.

The Shannonsiders have suffered an interrupted preparation to the forthcoming League of Ireland season with manager Neil McDonald departing to take up a position with Scunthorpe.

And it’s believed that Limerick will be working off a tight budget for the year ahead with the club reliant on O’Sullivan’s investment. He has indicated that the situation is no longer sustainable and is open to talking with interested parties about a full takeover or a majority share.

“I personally have been funding the development and day-to-day cost of running this club and trying to keep it at a level as competitive as possible,” says O’Sullivan.

“I have been saying for quite some time that this was not possible for me in the long-term. We have reached a point now where we have to firmly address this particular issue because some clubs have become much stronger and given the structures of our league significant finances are required of any club that wants to stay in competition with the top of the table.

MAJORITY

“At this moment in time, I am in discussion with a number of parties with a view to selling an interest in the club. It might mean 100pc of the club, but certainly it will ensure a majority share of the club.

“It must be said that it is our intent to maintain senior soccer at the highest level within our city and region.

“Our city and region deserved to have a competitive senior soccer team, but it also deserves and must have a structure and pathway to allow the development and production of our own young players.”

McDonald left to become assistant at Scunthorpe and they were linked to move for promising Limerick attacker Chiedozie Ogbene.

The sale of the 20-year-old would be a boost to Limerick’s finances. But Scunthorpe boss Graham Alexander says he is not on the trail of the player.

Meanwhile, veteran Ireland defender John O’Shea has called on their owner Ellis Short to dig deep and help the club away from the Championship relegation zone.

Chris Coleman’s side are bottom of the table and have been linked with a loan move for Jon Walters.

“The manager is going to need help from the owner and fingers crossed he will get that,” said O’Shea. “If he doesn’t then everyone here will have to step up.”