FAI to speak with Limerick about investment

THE FAI have given a cautious welcome to an announcement from Limerick FC that they have sourced new investment.

Limerick suffered relegation from the Premier Division last season after a turbulent year which included a vote for strike action from players related to payment issues.

Owner Pat O’Sullivan had admitted that he needed help to pay the bills, and the Shannonsiders released a statement on Monday which said that a local consortium had committed to providing support in 2019 with a view to a full takeover from O’Sullivan at the end of the year.

League of Ireland Director Fran Gavin said they weren’t aware of the specifics of the cash injection. “There’s some talk about new investors there, we don’t know how significant that is and it’s something we need to confirm with the club,” said Gavin.

“We want senior football in Limerick, we want to make sure it stays there and is viable and sustainable. Pat has put a huge amount of money into the club and we do want a competitive team there. We need to make sure what happened last year doesn’t happen.”

Gavin said that the FAI did not expect Waterford to have difficulties with the process of securing a licence to compete in European football.

They need to receive special dispensation because they have been in existence for less than three seasons. Derry City’s new trading company were not accepted in 2012.

There is confidence that Waterford will receive the green light as new owner Lee Power cleared some debts that were racked up by the old Waterford United. However, there remains a lingering issue with former United boss Roddy Collins that has gone through the LRC. “We don’t see any issues that would prohibit them from getting a licence,” said Gavin.

Meanwhile, Cork City have completed the loan signing of Gillingham attacker Liam Nash.