Drogheda to appeal points deduction
The sanction was imposed on Monday evening by the Independent Club Licensing Committee, thereby ruining their remote chances of a European place and the more likely reward of qualification for next seasonâs Setanta Cup.
The club reiterated yesterday that it âfeels that it (has) a unique case and as such, it should be judged on its own meritsâ.
This refers to the fact that a proposed stadium development close to the townâs southside but outside the Louth County bounds has ran aground due to the objections of Meath County Council.
Huge levels of investment in the former eircom Premier Division champions is tied up in the club acquiring planning permission to build a stadium and this, they say, has necessitated the examinership route, one which has seen their players earning just 30% of their pay.
Mondayâs decision follows similar punishment meted out to Cork City in August. But the Leesiders decided against the appeal route.
The points sanction is punishment for entering examinership and so does not preclude the possibility of further action against the respective clubs. However, it is understood that Cork City will receive assistance from the FAI should the other consequence of financial irregularities â a three-year ban from European competition â be imposed on them.
The deadline for applications for a Premier Division licence from a financial point of view is January 31, after which both clubs will be scrutinised by the Licensing Committee once again.
Meanwhile, Derry Cityâs Niall McGinn has earned a surprise call-up to the Northern Ireland squad.
The 21-year-old winger will be included in the list of players for the Windsor Park friendly with Hungary on November 19 when it is released by manager Nigel Worthington this week, according to a report in the Belfast Telegraph.
The Tyrone-born, former Dungannon Swifts player has been the subject of cross-channel interest of late after a season during which he has managed five league goals.
