Stephen Paisley

[Dodge]

Has a decision beeen announced regarding Paisley's tribunal? They sat on Wednesday

[RonnieB]

He is free to leave, very ****ed off atm. Loosing a vital player on the eve of the season. Squad is very thin as it is. Just annoyed that we end up letting another player go for no money. I wonder about the administration of the club sometimes.

He should be signing for pats soon id say and best of luck to him.

[Dodge]

Fulfilling his childhood dream...

[BohsPartisan]

Says in the Mirror Bohs and Drogheda are now in for him.

[Dodge]

Expected to sign for Pats today

[Ebmania]

Fantastic signing plays all across the back. Save money we offered for him aswell.

[TheSaint2002]

Paisley heads for exit at Longford as cash crisis looms for midlands club
Friday March 9th 2007

THE new eircom League season kicks off this evening but it is the emerging problems of one of the clubs not in action that is in danger of providing more bad news as the FAI take full control of the domestic game.

Campaign

Beleaguered Longford Town begin their campaign against St Patrick's Athletic at Flancare Park tomorrow night but will do so without defender Stephen Paisley.

While there was no official confirmation last night, sources at the Midlands club intimated that the player had been successful in securing release from his contract after a tribunal case which he took citing deferred payment of wages.

St Pat's have been waiting in the background for the matter to play itself out and should now add Paisley to their ranks for free, having had a substantial cash bid for the Dubliner rejected as recently as last week.

It appears that the last thing Longford are in a position to refuse right now is money after reports yesterday that former investors and directors are owed large amounts of cash by the club.

And the extent of the problems is believed to be so serious that manager Alan Mathews is on the verge of handing in his resignation.

He is understood to be extremely frustrated at the club's handling of the Paisley affair in addition to the ongoing financial problems.

Meanwhile, numerous league clubs will start the season tonight without their summer signings as the saga over FIFA transfer regulations continues.

Clearance

FIFA state that no player should be allowed play for three different clubs in a year, starting from last July.

While Liverpool eventually received clearance to sign Javier Mascherano after his case was treated individually, up to 20 league players are believed to be in similar situations.

Cork City are waiting on appeals related to Colin Healy and Gareth Farrelly while a couple of Shelbourne's last-minute additions, including key striker Mark Leech, are also affected.

Should FIFA refuse the Irish sides' protestations then the players in question will effectively be sidelined until July.

Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers have extended their deals with shirt sponsors Woodies DIY and kit manufacturers Umbro ahead of their return to the Premier Division against UCD tonight.

Daniel McDonnell