Thanks but no thanks, Shels tell Di Stefano
A statement released by the club yesterday represents an abrupt u-turn after they had previously indicated they were willing to meet Di Stefano about his publicly expressed desire to invest in the club.
Football fan Di Stefano had made headlines at the end of last week when the man who has represented Saddam Hussein and Patrick 'Dutchy' Holland revealed that he planned to meet with Shels officials in Dublin to discuss a major investment in the club.
However, Shels yesterday said that they were not pursuing the matter any further and released the contents of a letter sent by chief executive Ollie Byrne to Di Stefano, informing him of their decision.
Byrne stated that he appreciated the offer of possible investment but went on to criticise Di Stefano for going public on the matter.
"To be truthful I was astonished that you chose to release details of your interest in advance of any possible meeting taking place with Shelbourne FC," he wrote, adding, "regrettably I do not believe that it is now possible for me to take your expression of interest any further."
Shels added that the publicity generated by the story had prompted "significant interest" in the club and that all offers of involvement on the part of local interests would be pursued.
Meanwhile, a derby clash between Cork City and Cobh Ramblers is one of the highlights of the second round of the eircom League Cup, as the geographical structure of the competition ensures local pride will be at stake all over the country.
The game will take place at Turner's Cross on Tuesday May 9, with a 7.45pm kick off. The other Pool A game pits Limerick against the Kerry League at Hogan Park on May 10 (7.30pm).
Pool B will also see a battle for bragging rights as Dundalk host Setanta Cup winners and league leaders Drogheda United at Oriel Park on May 9 (7.45pm). The following night Monaghan United take on Bohemians at Century Homes Park at 8pm.
The remaining League Cup second round fixtures are: Pool C Derry City v Longford Town, The Brandywell, 7.45pm and Sligo Rovers v Finn Harps, The Showgrounds 8pm, (both May 9); Pool D St Patrick's Athletic v Shamrock Rovers, Richmond Park, 7.45pm, May 2 and Dublin City v Shelbourne, Dalymount Park, 7.45pm, May 8.
Diane Caldwell, who starred in Saturday's historic senior World Cup qualifying win against Switzerland in Richmond Park, is included in the Republic of Ireland Women's U19 team which begins its UEFA Championship 2nd Qualifying Phase with a match against Slovenia, in Slovenia, this afternoon.
On Thursday, the Irish play Scotland and on Saturday face Germany, all games taking place in the Krizevci Stadium. In a tough group, only one team will qualify for the finals in Switzerland in July.
Manager Susan Ronan says: "This has been a fantastic week for women's football in Ireland and our girls are confident that we can step up and compete at the highest level in Europe."
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