Limerick to meet players for crisis talks about future

LIMERICK FC will hold individual meetings with each member of their squad today in order to make decisions about their future.

But with the club adamant that all payments will be up to date by today, players will not be free to leave unless it is deemed a necessary cost-cutting measure.

Problems emerged before last Friday’s league meeting with Bohemians with squad members not paid as scheduled.

Senior players were left with the impression that they are free to go, but they have been told by the club that there was a delay in some wages going through on time and all monies should be in their accounts this week.

Training took place yesterday, although some players didn’t attend. Representatives from the PFA Ireland then met with the squad before holding discussions with Limerick officials, including owner Pat O’Sullivan.

EXODUS

A reduction in expenditure and a reversion to a part-time set-up is firmly on the cards, but Limerick are prepared to resist a mass exodus as they have managed to pay the wages for May.

There is a strong likelihood that a couple of higher-earning players will be told they can go when the transfer window re-opens on July 1.

However, at this juncture, there is an expectation that a full squad will be available for Friday’s trip to take on Dundalk in Oriel Park.

Players are seeking guarantees that the funds will be available to pay them for the rest of the season.

One of the fears expressed within the group is the shortage of home fixtures remaining this term. The top heavy nature of the season means they have just seven Markets Field matches in the remaining five months.

They will subsequently be relying on an FAI Cup run for additional gate income.