Bohs secure deal to save club as wage row resolved

THE threat of a winding up order against Bohemians has been lifted.

The solicitor for Brian Shelley and Steven Gray – the two players who had initiated High Court proceedings over unpaid wages – announced yesterday that the High Court action would not now proceed as planned next month.

In a statement, Stuart Gilhooly said: “I am happy to confirm that all issues between Brian Shelley, Steven Gray and Bohemians Football Club have been resolved. The players have reached agreement for termination of their contracts and these details will remain confidential. The winding up petition will now be struck out. The players would like to record their disappointment at how the matter was handled by the board and the length of time that they were left without any payment. They are, however, pleased to put the matter behind them and would like to wish the fans of the club well for the future. They are both now seeking employment elsewhere.”

Meanwhile, the club is also reported to be close to an agreement about terminating the contracts of other players, something cash-strapped Bohs have been anxious to do as part of a survival plan.

All Airtricity League clubs can expect another reduction in the prize fund for the 2011 season, even as they still await their monies from last year.

Shamrock Rovers will receive €200,000 for winning the Premier Division last year, but that is down from the €280,000 Bohemians got when crowned champions in 2009.

Fran Gavin, director of the league, confirmed the reduction, saying: “The clubs are aware that we’re in tough economic times now. There will be some reduction, but all those figures will be out next week. The clubs are all aware of this, their overheads are down as well, so that has to be taken into account.”

Clubs are still awaiting their prize money from last season, though Gavin added they should receive it shortly.

“At the moment we are meeting clubs regarding their budgets and looking at last season. When we have their final accounts in, we then have to make sure their salary cost protocol has been adhered to. There is no point in us giving money to any club that has breached that salary cost protocol.

“The audited accounts will tell us that. They are due in the end of this week, but they need to be checked and that takes a bit of time. As soon as that is signed off and Padraig (Smith, FAI Internal Compliance Officer) is happy, then money will be released.”

Gavin said the clubs understand the process and stressed that the league is in a far healthier financial state now than it was four years ago.

“Once you explain it to them, there’s no problem. We’ve met 18 clubs in, say, the last eight days regarding their budgets and it looks a really healthy situation for us, particularly for next year with those clubs.

“The overheads of clubs and player salaries are way, way down compared to two or three years ago - nearly 50% down. We’re happy that money owed to Revenue is very, very low and, in fact, most clubs have nothing outstanding. When you take where we were in 2007 to where we are now, it’s a complete change.”