Cork fans’ group set to boycott City games if Coughlan stays as chief

CORK CITY supporters’ group FORAS are planning a boycott of games next season should chairman Tom Coughlan remain in charge.

Following the imposition on Thursday of a 12-month ban on Coughlan, and a call by FAI league director Fran Gavin for the Corkman to consider his position, FORAS are now demanding that he step aside, failing which they will take a vote on a boycott next month.

FORAS, who have lodged a licence application for a place in the League of Ireland ‘A’ Championship next season, in case any other application is unsuccessful for City, said in a statement released yesterday: “In the interests of the fans and the players, as well as the long term future of the club, we ask Mr Coughlan to step aside with immediate effect, so that there remains some opportunity to redeem the former standing of our great club.

“Should Tom Coughlan remain in charge of Cork City FC, FORAS will respond to the numerous recent requests from our members to take a vote on a boycott of home games and club merchandise while the current chairman remains in control. We will facilitate our members in making a decision on this issue by holding a general meeting in January.”

Meanwhile, a defiant Tom Coughlan remains insistent that the club will be in a position to announce the appointment of Roddy Collins as Cork City’s new manager early next week. But with Monday’s licensing deadline for the 2010 season requiring that the cash-strapped club settle up with its creditors – or at least come to an agreement on a schedule of repayments – the pressure on the chairman shows no sign of abating this weekend.