Dublin City boss wants to deliver Collins statement to board

Dublin City has appealed to the eircom League Board of Control to launch an investigation into the details surrounding Roddy Collins' decision to jump ship from the Vikings to take over as manager of Shamrock Rovers FC.

Collins caused controversy on Thursday when hours before his side, bottom in the premier division table, were due to take on Drogheda United, he quit his post with the Vikings only to be unveiled later in the day as Shamrock Rovers boss.

The eircom League is due to host a board of control meeting this Monday and Dublin City chief executive Ronan Seery has asked to address the meeting with a prepared statement.

Seery said he would be strongly urging that Shamrock Rovers be severely punished as a result of what the club describes on its website as “their unethical actions in approaching Roddy Collins whilst manager of Dublin City FC”.

Severe punishment could involve the deduction of points if found guilty or even suspension.

"I believe there are solid grounds for this appeal,” Seery said. “This approach was timed to have a maximum negative effect on a club that has conducted its business in a proper and above board manner at all times.

"The integrity of the game must be protected and this can only happen if Shamrock Rovers are dealt with in the strongest possible way. We need to send out the right messages or run the gauntlet of irrevocably undermining the game we are trying to promote."