Decimated Shels withdraw from Setanta Cup

THE future of crisis club Shelbourne has been thrown into further doubt with the news the club has withdrawn from the lucrative Setanta Cup competition.

The Setanta Sports Cup tournament committee informed the Eircom League last night that Shelbourne revealed they would not be taking up their invitation to participate in this year’s competition due to the ongoing financial circumstances within the club.

As per tournament rules, an invitation will now be extended to St Patrick’s Athletic Football Club to participate in the competition as they finished runners-up to Derry City in the FAI Cup.

A statement from Shelbourne’s Management Committee said last night: “The Management Committee of Shelbourne Football Club wish to announce their decision to decline an invitation to participate in the Setanta Sports Cup 2007.

Shelbourne is a club fighting for its survival, with all but one of their 2006 league-winning playing staff having exited the club.

Without a manager, Finbarr Flood has taken up the post of acting club chairman since club supremo Ollie Byrne’s recent illness.

The champions are reported to be €10 million in debt and may face relegation to the First Division.

There are further fears that if relegated Shelbourne could also be stripped of its Champions League place, with Derry City replacing them in the competition.

Meanwhile St Pat’s, who take Shels’ place in the Setanta Cup, will start their campaign against Portadown on Monday, February 26.