Addicks president named on merger group

FORMER Chairman and current Director and Life President of Charlton Athletic Football Club Richard Collins has been appointed to the IAG (Independent Assessment Group) which will handle the proposed merger between the eircom League and the Football Association of Ireland.

Mr Collins will replace Niall Quinn, who yesterday announced his intention to manage Sunderland FC for the foreseeable future.

Chief Executive Officer of the FAI John Delaney said: “We would like to welcome Richard Collins to the group, he brings with him a wealth of experience and we look forward to working with him over the coming months.

“On behalf of the FAI I would also like to wish our former international player Niall Quinn the very best of luck with his new venture as chairman-elect and manager of Sunderland FC.”

Cork-born Collins is a building surveyor by profession and has numerous Irish business interests. He has held positions on several adjudication panels in relation to law and arbitration.