Fenn Announces his Retirement

[Rasputin]

It almost seems Mr Fenn has the same script writer for dirty underhand tactics as Mr Turner.
As in deny all culpability and tarnish the victimised club with unsubstantiated slander.
As in this case insinuating Dundalk wanted to slash the wage bill and it was sort of mutual agreement.
While with the case with Chris Turner we allegedly recinded on a previous pre-contract agreement or other such nonsense.
Now dont call me crazy but could there possibly be a common denominator in these two controversial cases this season....hmmm.

[thischarmingman]

While most of this is conjecture anyway, I‘m not sure I quite understand why everyone is up in arms at the PFAI when, as a union, it's their job to take the players side, as a lawyer defends his client?

The onus is on Dundalk or the FAI to prove the wrongdoing in this case. I'm not saying Fenn isn't a sneaky, conniving liar (based on what we (sort of) know so far), but it isn't the PFAI's job to prosecute him for it.

[Rasputin]

While most of this is conjecture anyway， I‘m not sure I quite understand why everyone is up in arms at the PFAI when， as a union surely it's their job to take the players side， like a lawyer defending his client？
Exactly, the PFAI is irrelevant to the debate at hand.

[Charlie Darwin]

I'm surprised Dundalk have been so naive in this instance (they appear to have canceled his contract with no strings attached) when they were so ruthless in sacking Dave Rogers last year.

[Jicked]

I think this is about right.


I find it strange that Fenn discussed his "retirement" with the club on 24th July and agreed that it would be made public on July 29th. Yet on July 28th he was a guest of Shamrock Rovers when they took on Juventus in the qualifying round of the Champions League.

This is suspicious and merits investigation by the FAI.

Should they also investigate the dozen or so other LoI players at that game? It was a who's who of LoI players and ex-players.

Stephen McGuinness seemed to find "Neale Fenn oooh Neale Fenn oooh, he'd just hung up his boots, he can't resist the Hoops" chant pretty funny when he was flying home today with the Rovers fans from Bologna :)

[bingoballs]

While most of this is conjecture anyway, I‘m not sure I quite understand why everyone is up in arms at the PFAI when, as a union, it's their job to take the players side, as a lawyer defends his client?

The onus is on Dundalk or the FAI to prove the wrongdoing in this case. I'm not saying Fenn isn't a sneaky, conniving liar (based on what we (sort of) know so far), but it isn't the PFAI's job to prosecute him for it.
If the PFAI want clubs to honour and respect players contracts then surely they have a duty to ensure players do the same. Otherwise, whats the point in having contracts. Maybe every player in the league could play for shams then!

[Charlie Darwin]

If the PFAI want clubs to honour and respect players contracts then surely they have a duty to ensure players do the same. Otherwise, whats the point in having contracts. Maybe every player in the league could play for shams then!
I'm sure they do in theory but in practice they're never going to come down on the side of the clubs unless their hands are truly forced.

[HulaHoop]

O'Neill quotes RE Fenn in today's Indo. And a little slap for Sean Connor too.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/oneill-fires-up-hoops-for-real-business-2288029.html


O'Neill has sympathy for Foster, but says the chain of events was a coincidence. "Any conspiracy that I spoke to Neale Fenn and tried to dream up: 'How about retiring Neale? That's a way of getting out of it'.

"I'm not clever enough to do that. I wish I had thought of it, to be honest," he said.

"Neale saw the attraction of Rovers, with the convenience for his family life, us training in the evenings.

"I think all those things were factors in him saying he'd play the rest of the season. I don't think he's done it with any malice or deviousness."

Meanwhile, O'Neill has also hit back at Galway manager Sean Connor, who complained that the Rovers boss hadn't contacted him in relation to a bid for young striker Karl Sheppard.

"It was Nick Leeson that contacted me personally to offer me the player, and another player at Galway," said O'Neill.

"If Sean Connor has a problem with that he should go and speak with his CEO, because, at the end of the day, the conversation me and Nick Leeson had was initiated by Nick Leeson.

"We weren't able to agree a deal for Karl and, with that in mind, the option of signing Neale became available to us. We've done our business in a professional manner."

[Ezeikial]

Michael O´Neill gives us another glimpse of hs warped sense of values



O'Neill has sympathy for Foster, but says the chain of events was a coincidence. "Any conspiracy that I spoke to Neale Fenn and tried to dream up: 'How about retiring Neale? That's a way of getting out of it'.
"I'm not clever enough to do that. I wish I had thought of it, to be honest," he said.


It´s a bit like a Bart Simpson scene - "I didn´t do it, I wasn´t even there, but I wish I did do it"

His earlier gem when questioned on the sporting morality of signing Fenn:



The (sporting) morality does not exist on our part.

[dfx-]

Maybe every player in the league could play for shams then!

Terrific Idea!

[thischarmingman]

Michael O´Neill gives us another glimpse of hs warped sense of values



It´s a bit like a Bart Simpson scene - "I didn´t do it, I wasn´t even there, but I wish I did do it"


I think you're reading far too much into a pretty obviously tongue-in-cheek remark there.

[Ezeikial]

The Neale Fenn statement probably adds further fuel to the fire. The Dundalk statement indicated that there would be no further comment in the short term


To avoid further distraction from the endeavours of the club, management, players, staff and supporters to focus on the crucial remaining games of the season, Dundalk Football Club do not intend to make any further public comment on this matter in the immediate future.

but Fenns comments are likely to evoke a further reaction. I would not be surprised if there is further clarifiction about the "exceptional assistance" given to Fenn earlier this season, referred to in the club statement
http://dundalkfc.com/news/100805_Board.asp


Given that Dundalk FC had previously provided additional exceptional assistance to the player earlier in the season and the stated reasons for his retirement,


Dundalk have shown good grace in not getting into the specifics of the "personal reasons" that Fenn gave, but his contention about mutually beneficial reasons may flush out a lot more detail.

[Rasputin]

Good grace my arse, hes a rat and should be shown up as one.
As for O'Neill's mickey mouse statement there, what a joke.
In no way adds any further light to proceedings and just clariys what we know already that he will lie and lie until he is nailed to South Dublin County Councils wall but fat chance of that happening when the FAI are heading proceedings.

[oriel]

I simply cannot get over the nerve of Fenn in making his statement, also hiding behind the PFAI when issuing it.

His case reminds me of someone who owes you money, they forget about, then when its raised its you who ends up being the worst in the world for wanting it back.

He hasn't even addressed his own wordings he made himself in his reasons for asking to leave DFC.

If he had come out with his real reasons for wanting to leave ie, he didnt fancy a mid table struggle and couldnt be bothered to see out the remaining 3 mths of his contract he signed for the club who were the only ones in for him in Feb, oh and wanted to earn extra money, maybe I`d have respect for him.

He`s a pure (lying) sumbag, and should never be forgiven for this.

[eelmonster]

He's a total ballbag, no question. As is O'Neill.

[wexfordned]

Fenn is an opportunistic has been.

Shamrock & their manager Michael O'Neill have shown the club is willing to sink to a level low enough that they could parachute out of a snake's arse in their desperate attempts to win the league.

F**k them & "they are a example to the the league" bulls**t you constantly here from FAIlure in Abbotstown.
It would seem Shamrock, PFAI & FAI have decided contracts are not worth the paper they are written on anymore.

[Schumi]

It would seem Shamrock, PFAI & FAI have decided contracts are not worth the paper they are written on anymore.
Dundalk cancelled his contract though so this has no bearing on the validity of contracts.

Does anyone know if Fenn could have signed for an LSL team if he had 'retired' after the end of the transfer window? Is so, this can be easily avoided in future by clubs holding onto a 'retiring' player's registration until after the transfer window has closed.

[bullit]

Im with Ezekial on this,Dundalk should issue a statement that points out the excact "personal" reasons that Fenn cited to get released from his contract.
Wexfordned,nicely said:D

[Dunny]

"personal" reasons

He wants to work on his tan.

[Rasputin]

He wants to work on his tan.
How much work exactly do you have to put in to get that nice jaundice glow?

[bullit]

How much work exactly do you have to put in to get that nice jaundice glow?
He should ask his Ex-team mate Gary Breen who is currently in hospital with that illness.

[Ciaran W]

Hopefully he can knock one in against the bohs tomorrow :)

[bullit]

If he scores(and i mean on the field:D) Ciaran i will paypal you €20,he not only a ****e human but also a ****e player.

[Ciaran W]

Deal ;)

[White Horse]

Now we know what was so atractive about Rover's offer.

Sit on the bench and pick up big wages. Fenn didn't like having to lead the line for Dundalk week in week out.

The work was too hard for him.

[hoopy]

Now we know what was so atractive about Rover's offer.

Sit on the bench and pick up big wages. Fenn didn't like having to lead the line for Dundalk week in week out.

The work was too hard for him.

So you honestly expected him to walk straight into the team, especially playing a 4-5-1 formation? If he had, by some miracle, started you would've moaned about that as well. As for big wages, comical.

[Macy]

It would seem Shamrock, PFAI & FAI have decided contracts are not worth the paper they are written on anymore.
But Dundalk cancelled his contract, not Fenn. And as keeps being pointed out, they could've retained his registration to stop this happening.

So could you explain how this effects existing contracts?

[marinobohs]

But Dundalk cancelled his contract, not Fenn. And as keeps being pointed out, they could've retained his registration to stop this happening.

So could you explain how this effects existing contracts?

According to Mc Guinness clubs will not in future facilitate players by rescinding contracts (first time a union official has willfully worsened his members options ?). There have been a limited number of incidences where contracts were cancelled due to domestic reasons (Kevin Hunt at Bohs one instance and possibly Simon Webb ?) that was the basis Dundalk agreed to cancel the Fenn contract.

[HammerNThongs]

But Dundalk cancelled his contract, not Fenn. And as keeps being pointed out, they could've retained his registration to stop this happening.

So could you explain how this effects existing contracts?

I could be wrong here, but I understand that they released his registration so he could play local football while he worked with his coaching school which is what he requested to be able to do

[osarusan]

I could be wrong here, but I understand that they released his registration so he could play local football while he worked with his coaching school which is what he requested to be able to do

It would be very interesting to see a reliable record of exactly what comments lead to his registration being released. I doubt there is one though, just his word against Foster's (or the board, etc).

[Dodge]

It would be very interesting to see a reliable record of exactly what comments lead to his registration being released. I doubt there is one though, just his word against Foster's (or the board, etc).

And Fenn didn't say anything about how he asked Dundalk for his release.

[White Horse]

It would be very interesting to see a reliable record of exactly what comments lead to his registration being released. I doubt there is one though, just his word against Foster's (or the board, etc).

"At the moment, I don’t feel as if I’m going to miss the game, but obviously in a month’s time I think I’ll say I really miss it and I’ll be itching to get back in. But I’ll have the coaching and I’ll still be playing a little bit of football, so that will keep me going. I think once you finish you might as well finish rather than making all sorts of comebacks. At the moment, I can’t see myself coming back at all."

http://www.dundalkfc.com/news/100729_Fenn.asp


Fenn's comments on announcing his "retirement".

Whose account do these comments support; Foster or Fenn?

[marinobohs]

"At the moment, I don’t feel as if I’m going to miss the game, but obviously in a month’s time I think I’ll say I really miss it and I’ll be itching to get back in. But I’ll have the coaching and I’ll still be playing a little bit of football, so that will keep me going. I think once you finish you might as well finish rather than making all sorts of comebacks. At the moment, I can’t see myself coming back at all."

http://www.dundalkfc.com/news/100729_Fenn.asp


Fenn's comments on announcing his "retirement".

Whose account do these comments support; Foster or Fenn?

Pretty damning evidence I would have thought. Presumably would be a case for breach of contract as such a public statement could be taken as a commitment not to play at this level (possible argument around "I cant see myself" wonder was the use deliberate to keep his options open ?).

[Dodge]

Its not breach of contract as Dundalk terminated his contract. That he got them to do so is immaterial IMO

[marinobohs]

Its not breach of contract as Dundalk terminated his contract. That he got them to do so is immaterial IMO

Could it not be found that the parties agreed to nullify the contract with Fenn withholding relevent information and thus negate the cancellation ? (phew, I think thats what I meant). This might require Dundalk to prove fenn knew in advance of his move which would be very difficult to prove.

[Charlie Darwin]

No, the contract is canceled and Fenn has signed a new one so it would be impossible for him to fulfill the original contract with Dundalk.

Dundalk could take civil proceedings against him where the balance of probability would be enough to get an award, but it might not even be worth the trouble for the compensation they'd get. Dundalk's best course of action is to make their allegations clear to the FAI in the hope of initiating a disciplinary procedure against Fenn/Rovers.

[Macy]

Dundalk could take civil proceedings against him where the balance of probability would be enough to get an award, but it might not even be worth the trouble for the compensation they'd get. Dundalk's best course of action is to make their allegations clear to the FAI in the hope of initiating a disciplinary procedure against Fenn/Rovers.
Under the participation agreement don't they have to keep it within the association first, and I actually think the civil courts want it to get first hearing through the sporting organisations own procedures first as well.

[marinobohs]

No, the contract is canceled and Fenn has signed a new one so it would be impossible for him to fulfill the original contract with Dundalk.

Dundalk could take civil proceedings against him where the balance of probability would be enough to get an award, but it might not even be worth the trouble for the compensation they'd get. Dundalk's best course of action is to make their allegations clear to the FAI in the hope of initiating a disciplinary procedure against Fenn/Rovers.

To be honest I hope Dundalk decide to let it lie* although I can understand them feeling aggreived about what happened. As you say, any compensation would be minimalist and the ensuing publicity would not reflect well on the LOI (like we need more bad publicity !!!)
Would like to think the FAI would make it clear that in future a dim view would be taken of clubs/players indulging in this type of behaviour :o

* this does not prohibit/limit discussion on FOOT.IE of course.

[White Horse]

To be honest I hope Dundalk decide to let it lie* although I can understand them feeling aggreived about what happened. As you say, any compensation would be minimalist and the ensuing publicity would not reflect well on the LOI (like we need more bad publicity !!!)
Would like to think the FAI would make it clear that in future a dim view would be taken of clubs/players indulging in this type of behaviour :o

* this does not prohibit/limit discussion on FOOT.IE of course.

I cannot see Dundalk FC pursuing this matter any further. The club have to concentrate in trying to get up the table and avoid getting sucked into the relegation battle.

Furthermore, there is the issue of player contracts for next year.

In addition, the club are confronting a hooligan element and have issued a number of stadium bans.

Neale Fenn is gone (along with his reputation). I suggest we leave it at that.

[Rasputin]

To be honest I hope Dundalk decide to let it lie* although I can understand them feeling aggreived about what happened. As you say, any compensation would be minimalist and the ensuing publicity would not reflect well on the LOI (like we need more bad publicity !!!)
Would like to think the FAI would make it clear that in future a dim view would be taken of clubs/players indulging in this type of behaviour :o
Just like we let it lie with Turner? That worked out well for the League and Dundalk specifically.

[marinobohs]

Just like we let it lie with Turner? That worked out well for the League and Dundalk specifically.
Perhaps had the FAI indicated a harder stance would be taken in future we might not be discussing this now.

[Charlie Darwin]

I cannot see Dundalk FC pursuing this matter any further. The club have to concentrate in trying to get up the table and avoid getting sucked into the relegation battle.

Furthermore, there is the issue of player contracts for next year.

In addition, the club are confronting a hooligan element and have issued a number of stadium bans.

Neale Fenn is gone (along with his reputation). I suggest we leave it at that.
It's a shame. As a Rovers fan, I'd still support Dundalk's right to seek full recompense on the matter. But it's probably just not worth their while.

[Rasputin]

Perhaps had the FAI indicated a harder stance would be taken in future we might not be discussing this now.
You do realise we are talking about Shams here?

[Dave_SRFC]

You do realise we are talking about Shams here?
let it lie will you

[poster]

Just like we let it lie with Turner?

Now, only my opinion and I'm not disagreeing Ras, but. Turner obviously didn't want to play for us, and wanted to run to O'Neill and his lads. We got our monies back and signed Russell and Ndo. We also have the best midfielder in the league this season in Richie Ryan playing out of his skin for us. I don't see Turner all that much only when we play Shams, and the odd time on TV but I don't think he's setting the world alight with his performances. I'm glad we "let it lie" and think we're so much better a team attacking wise for it, also we are one of the best teams in the league to watch. It also shows the integrity of our football club that we went quietly about our business and let Turner do what he wanted.

[Ciaran W]

Which dundalk player left by mutual consent now ? I only heard the end of it on the news and didnt catch the name. . Should we be expecting whoever it is to be playing against drogheda tomorrow night ;)

[Dunny]

Michael McGowan, another Rovers target.

[poster]

Did Fenn have a statement in one of the papers today?

[White Horse]

Did Fenn have a statement in one of the papers today?

There is an interview in today's Mirror.

I didn't buy the paper as I no longer care what he has to say.