Deenihan calls for swift action from FAI on Genesis report

THE FAI cannot afford to drag its feet in implementing the recommendations of the Genesis report if it wants to regain public credibility, according to Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, Opposition spokesperson for sport.

FAI president Milo Corcoran stated on Tuesday it might take as much as five years to fully implement the

report, leading to criticism from some influential figures within the game. Deputy Deenihan believes the FAI should act as swiftly as possible to rectify the problems outlined by the report.

"For the sake of the FAI, it needs to be implemented as soon as possible. People are very concerned with some of the issues raised by the report, and there is a recognised need for radical change within the association," he said.

"I think the entire sporting fraternity would support radical change and want to see that change as soon as possible. The FAI should waste no time in following the recommendations of the report if they want to regain

public credibility."

Shelbourne chairman Finbarr Flood said the Genesis report was doomed, in light of Corcoran's comments. And the association certainly don't have a good track record in these matters.

After USA 94, a report was instigated which gave rise to the Merriongate scandal, but did little to change the way the FAI conducts its business.

While Flood feels nothing has changed in six years to fill him with optimism, Deputy Deenihan says the FAI have to gauge the public sentiment and grasp their opportunity while the climate for change exists.

"They can't afford to drag their feet. They have been given an opportunity by the public, an increasingly critical public, and they must grasp it while the atmosphere is right for change within the association. Because they mightn't get another chance."

Meanwhile, Drogheda United's players have given the cash-strapped club an ultimatum ahead of tonight's away game against St Patrick's Athletic, and have threatened not to play unless money they are owed is forthcoming. The club is desperate to halt a slide towards the relegation zone and the dispute over unpaid wages is not helping the cause.

The club are endeavouring to solve the problems, but perhaps more worrying for them is their recent record of six points from the last 10 games and they know if they continue to slip up, Bray Wanderers or UCD could overtake them.

Their task will not be helped by the absence of Sean Gallagher (ankle) and Derek Delaney (foot). Brian Kelly (ankle) and Stephen Gray (foot) are also doubtful so Robbie Dunne and Gary Cronin stand by.

St Pat's manager Pat Dolan must plan without Paul Osam (back) and long term absentee Darragh Maguire.

Looking ahead to the Drogheda game, Dolan isn't taking anything for granted. "We did well to get a result up there in our first league game of the season, but they're always a tough side to play against. They have financial difficulties at the moment which is overshadowing what a good side they are, and everyone in the league has to support them and help them through it because every club goes through its rough patches."

Shelbourne and Cork City both desperate for points in the title race, visit bottom two Bray Wanderers and UCD respectively tonight in games none of the sides involved can afford to lose.

Elsewhere, St Patrick's Athletic are due to face Drogheda United, while First Division leaders Waterford United take on Sligo Rovers.

Shelbourne travel to Bray Wanderers for a vital clash at the Carlisle Grounds (Kick off 7.45). The game was switched to Bray because of the flooding of Tolka Park last week.

Wanderers will be without injured trio Eddie Gormley, Jodi Lynch and Thomas Morgan. Shelbourne have Tony McCarthy and Barry Prenderville back training but manager Pat Fenlon hinted that Stephen Geoeghegan will again start on the bench.

Fenlon insists they must come away with maximum points. "We have a very important period coming up with games against Bray, Cork City and Derry City. It's important we keep the pressure on Bohemians by winning them all starting against Bray."

In Belfield Park, Cork City will also be hoping to keep the pressure on Bohemians with a victory over a resurgent UCD (Kick off 7:45).

UCD expect to name an unchanged side as do Cork City, meaning Colin P O'Brien will again partner John O'Flynn in attack with George O'Callaghan operating in midfield.

In the First Division, leaders Waterford United entertain Sligo Rovers at the RSC (kick off 7.30).