statement Re: Shamrock Rovers ground Problems
Angry City reject accusations
18th February '04
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DUBLIN CITY FC has rejected claims that they are attempting to put Shamrock Rovers out of business because of their refusal to relocate to Dalymount Park.
Vikings Chief Executive Ronan Seery has reacted angrily to the claims and stated: " It's absolutely scurrilous and has nothing whatsoever to do with this club. We have been dragged into something that is really not of our making and we really shouldn't be put in a position where we have to defend ourselves in this matter."
A request had been made to Dublin City asking them to forego on their contract with Shelbourne FC to play out of Tolka Park thus allowing Shamrock Rovers to take up the spot created by us agreeing to vacate Tolka Park for the season and play out of Dalymount Park."
"Dublin City was approached last Thursday by interested parties inquiring if we would be agreeable to a move to Dalymount Park. Understanding the reason's behind the request a series of consultation meetings were held with management, players, fans and investors. Having canvassed the opinion of all parties, it was decided that in the best interests of Dublin City FC, basing ourselves out of Tolka Park in our natural fan base area was the correct thing to do. In light of determining this position, I relayed the decision to the relevant parties and informed them that this decision was based purely on footballing and not financial reasons. At no stage did Dublin City FC seek to benefit financially as a result of this approach to relocate. This decision was taken in light of the opinions garned from people who have put a to of time and effort into the development of this club and while we understand that Shamrock Rovers may be discommoded by our stance, we must do what is best for Dublin City FC.
We have nothing but respect for the management, players and directors of Shamrock Rovers but this decision has been taken in the best interests of Dublin City FC and not the best interests of Shamrock Rovers FC. For this, we make no apology and cannot be held responsible for historical or political pressures which have been brought to bear on this issue. We have been inadvertently dragged into a situation which is not of our making"
The coming season is of immense importance to Dublin City FC. The request to locate was considered but with much of our logistical pre-season work already underway and the mindset of the players focussed on Tolka Park as our home venue, the decision to operate out of Tolka Park was arrived at in a considered and measured way. This arrangement was put in place last March and was taken regardless of whether Dublin City was a first Division or Premier Division club.
We believe that we have a better chance of success on and off the pitch by basing ourselves out of Tolka. We also feel that there are alternative solution which could also be explored which could address the Shamrock Rovers issue in a beneficial way. As such we reject any notions which would hold us to ransom in telling us where we should or should not play our home games this season. We have put a lot of time and effort into ensuring best practice was in place and late approaches to move elsewhere do not help us as a club. We make no apologies for staying put in Tolka Park"
As first division champions we appreciate the huge effort it is going to take to make an impact in the Premier Division this season but Dublin City intends to give a thoroughly professional and committed showing this season and with all these elements considered, it was decided that in the best interests of the club, we should take up the arrangement which has been in place for close on a year.
http://www.dublincityfc.net/news.php?id=590
