Cork City refute claims that business consortium helped finance Beattie deal

'The Board are disappointed that this group has chosen to use the signing of a player as a publicity stunt to place pressure on the Board of Management'

BACK AT THE CROSS: Cork City's new signing Steven Beattie. A row has erupted over how his dea to return was funded.

CORK City has strongly refuted claims today from a local business consortium that the latter helped finance the deal to bring midfielder Steven Beattie back to the club - accusing the group of a publicity stunt to place pressure on the Board.

A consortium of Cork business people, including former Cork City GM Paul Wycherley, said it had provided a "financial gift" to the player to ensure he signed with City. The initiative arose when ex-board member, Damien Sreenan, became aware that the club was interested in signing the player.