IT’S back to his Alma mater, and back to basics for Greg Bolger tonight as Dundalk strive to put last weekend’s Setanta Sports Cup final disappointment against Shamrock Rovers behind them.

FAI chief executive John Delaney said yesterday the worst of the financial difficulties facing League of Ireland clubs were in the past but warned there will be “further difficulties” to come.

The FAI has terminated Derry City’s contract to participate in the League of Ireland, it was announced tonight following talks at Abbotstown on the Candystripes’ premier division future.

UNBEATEN Drogheda United will have the chance to go clear at the top of the eircom League when they face Shamrock Rovers this evening at Tolka Park (kick off 8pm; all other games 7.45pm).

SHAMROCK ROVERS will be aiming to do all their talking on the pitch in Tolka Park tonight after the management and players decided to boycott the media in the run-up to their FAI Carlsberg Cup semi-final against St Patrick’s Athletic (kick off 7.30pm).

DERRY CITY manager Stephen Kenny may be facing a trip to the premier division’s bottom side but he thinks tonight’s north-west derby with Finn Harps is as important as any top-of-the-table clash.

Derry City’s FAI Cup semi-final preparations are already in disarray following the Candystripes’ bruising encounter with St Patrick’s Athletic at the weekend.

Peter Hutton must see if his magic from the sidelines is just as effective on the pitch as he returns to the first team for rejuvenated Derry City’s game with eircom League leaders Shelbourne at the Brandywell tonight (7.45pm).

Legendary League of Ireland stalwart Liam Coyle has retired from playing duties with Derry City, after fifteen years of service at the Brandywell club.