Bohemians to be issued with winding-up order

HIGH COURT proceedings which could result in the winding up of Bohemians Football Club were initiated yesterday.

The action has been taken on behalf of two players who, in common with the majority of the playing staff, are owed some seven weeks’ back pay by the club.

However, with the case not due to come to court for another two to three weeks, it is hoped that a resolution can be reached in the interim which would both satisfy the players and keep the embattled Dublin club in business.

Yesterday, players’ union boss Stephen McGuinness was highly critical of Bohs’, saying the club was already in possession of sufficient funds to clear the money owed.

For its part, the club has said that it will be in a position to reach a collective agreement with all its players by the middle of this month.

Meanwhile, a solicitor representing defender Brian Shelley has denied reports that the player has agreed a deal with the Australian club Ballarat Red Devils.

Solicitor Stuart Gilhooly said: “He remains contracted to Bohemians Football Club and will remain at the club until his contract expires or until the club makes such (an) offer of settlement of his contract that is acceptable to him. As things stand, this has not happened and he therefore remains a Bohemians player.”

The statement went on: “In common with nearly all other Bohemians players, he has not been paid on foot of his contract in nearly seven weeks. As a result and without prejudice to the terms of his contract, Bohemians have given permission for him to speak to other clubs and indeed he is currently in Norway with the PFAI team.”