Shamrock Rovers face another survival hurdle

SHAMROCK ROVERS yesterday bought themselves some breathing space with their successful application in the High Court to have an examiner appointed to the embattled club. But Rovers now face another test, as the FAI’s Club Licensing Committee meets to decide if they can continue to play in the eircom League.

According to the FAI Club Licensing Manual, a licence can be withdrawn if a club no longer satisfies any single condition for issuing the license, violates any of its obligations under the licensing contract or is involved in a bankruptcy, receivership, examinership or liquidation process. In the event of a licence being withdrawn, the committee can eliminate the club immediately from the league or allow it to compete until the end of the season. It also has the authority to place a club in an appropriate league that is affiliated to the FAI.

The FAI said yesterday that its Club Licensing First Instance Committee would examine the issue as soon as it had been formally notified by Shamrock Rovers FC in relation to the High Court decision. That meeting is expected to take place within the next 48 hours.

Yesterday’s appointment of Neil Hughes, an expert in insolvency and corporate recovery, as Examiner to Branvard Limited, which trades as Shamrock Rovers, was welcomed by a club which finds itself almost €2.5 million in debt. Mr. Hughes said his appointment confirmed the High Court’s view that Rovers have a reasonable prospect of survival.

He said: “The examinership process provides the club with the ideal framework to facilitate its survival. I will work to gain the support of creditors, members, supporters, the directors and the company, and all others associated with the club. “Examinership can be a very effective tool in protecting a trading company so that it can survive.”

Meanwhile, the Rovers’ supporters’ group - the 400 Club - which last week covered the clubs estimated €13,500 wage bill, has endorsed proposals to further finance the club throughout the three to four month duration of the examinership. Since it was formed two years ago, the 400 Club - an organisation of fans ranging from wealthy businessmen to bus drivers - has contributed around €300,000 to Rovers.

Hoops manager Roddy Collins also supports the 400 Club’s determination to secure a short-term future at least.

Meanwhile, St Patrick’s Athletic have announced the high-profile appointment of Bernard O’Byrne as Chief Executive of the club. Mr O’Byrne, a former chief executive and treasurer of the FAI, said he was “absolutely delighted” to be joining the club.