The landscape of Irish politics radically changed yesterday with the announcement of the end of the IRA’s 36 year campaign. However, the landscape of Irish soccer may also have changed following yesterday’s decision by Justice Frank Clarke to allow the takeover of Shamrock Rovers by the 400 Club and long time Hoops supporter Ray Wilson.
The washing of ones dirty laundry in public is never advised, however, in this case it was warmly welcomed. The requirement of the eircom League to be a total transparent entity has long been preached by the PFAI.
The increased number of players who rely on their income solely from playing with eircom League clubs are now making demands on their employers that are standard practice in every industry in Ireland.
From the PFAI site - "The Revenue representative stated their satisfaction with the club’s payroll arrangement going forward. With the new owners expressing their clear intent to ensure their club will be a model in corporate governance from the day they takeover, it now remains to be seen if the rest of the eircom League follows."
When a few of us made the same points last week we were accused of being smug. But this is the new reality. I wouldn't wish what happened to us on anyone but it's happened and we're a better club for it. Time for the other clubs to wake up and get their finances sorted.
