Rovers sign Payne from German side

Shamrock Rovers have signed goalkeeper Russell Payne from German club SV Elversberg 07.

Payne, a US national from Washington DC, was capped at U21 & U23 level and has previous experience playing in Holland and Germany.

He also had a spell at Derry City where he received Goalkeeper of the Year in 2002. Russell has agreed a two-year contract with the Hoops.

On Shamrock Rovers' official website, www.shamrockrovers.ie, Liam Buckley said he is delighted to have a 'keeper of Russell's calibre and experience in the squad.

Rovers' former goalkeeper Barry Ryan yesterday joined Dublin City after he completed a nine month suspension after failing a dope test last September.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/2004/0714/shamrockrovers.html

Statement from the Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland

29 July 2004


The Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland has objected to the request by Shamrock Rovers for a work permit for Russell Payne. Presently the position regarding wages owed to current players in Shamrock Rovers is unacceptable. The fact that the club wish to add another player to an already unmanageable wage bill will jeopardise the possibility of the current players receiving monies owed.

Following representations made to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, whose responsibility it is to issue work permits, a letter of approval from the PFAI is now required regarding work permits being sought for non-EU Nationals wishing to play in the eircom League.

“No club in the league should be allowed sign any players while monies are still owed to current squad members,” said PFAI General Secretary, Fran Gavin. “We have informed the Department of our reasons for objecting and while the final decision is with the Department we trust that they will take our observations into consideration.” The eircom League continually turn a blind eye to this issue and allow clubs to sign players in the full knowledge that these clubs cannot afford to meet their financial commitments to their current players.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Donie Forde

“No club in the league should be allowed sign any players while monies are still owed to current squad members,” said PFAI General Secretary, Fran Gavin. “We have informed the Department of our reasons for objecting and while the final decision is with the Department we trust that they will take our observations into consideration.” The eircom League continually turn a blind eye to this issue and allow clubs to sign players in the full knowledge that these clubs cannot afford to meet their financial commitments to their current players.

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Seems fair enough for the PFAI to raise issues about monies owed to current players but is also a bit bizarre that the PFAI have input work permits for non-nationals.

Imagine if other irish trade unions had input non-nationals working in the country.

:eek:

Any comment for resident foot.ie work permit expert?

;)