Delaney: ‘new’ Derry would be welcome

FAI Chief Executive John Delaney last night claimed the fact a high profile FAI delegation arrived in Derry yesterday just 48 hours before the Republic of Ireland host France in a vital World Cup play-off at Croke Park said much about the importance of Derry’s participation in the League of Ireland.

Accompanying Delaney to Foyleside were League of Ireland Director Fran Gavin, Compliance Officer Pauric Smith and Club Licensing Officer Richard Fahy. The delegation met with a number of groups in their attempts to gather information relating to the future of the Candystipes in senior football, having opted to expel them from the league last Saturday due to player contract irregularities.

Delaney later claimed the response his deputation received from a wide range of people committed to the future of the club had been “positive, encouraging and uplifting.