FAI to invite Candystripes back into First Division

Derry City club officials met with an FAI delegation yesterday in efforts to bring the Candystripes back into League of Ireland football.

FAI Chief Executive, John Delaney has confirmed that they intend to invite the club to re-apply to play in the league's First Division from next season.

Derry were thrown-out of the top-flight last weekend for avoiding salary cap rules by giving their players secondary contracts.

Earlier, Stephen McCarron, who was the last of the club's remaining board members, stepped down after holding talks with local businessmen.