Dundalk FC SET TO CHANGE HANDS
Matthews reveals two offers on table for club
By James Rogers
DUNDALK FC could be set to change hands, the DUNDALK DEMOCRAT can exclusivley reveal. Club owner Gerry Matthews has admitted to this newspaper that two offers are currently on the table to take over the running of the club from him.
While no decision has yet been made by the local businessman on the two proposals, he admits that it is likely he will accept one of them.
The first proposal is by Dundalk FC coach Ciaran Bond, who has a group of investors behind him. The second has been put forward by the Dundalk FC Trust, who are understood to have put together a comprehensive stufy and analysis of various member groups who own their own club. Their proposal is believed to be loosely based on the 400 Club operated by Shamrock Rovers.
When questioned about the two proposals by the Dundalk Democrat, Mr Matthews said there was "no decision made" as yet.
He said: "There are two options really - firstly to leave things as they are or secondly to go with one of the proposals. I'm looking at all options at the minute but it's fair to say that it probably will end up changing hands."
Matthews took over the running of Dundalk FC just over five years ago in August 2006. Since then the club has got back on a sound financial footing and returned to the top flight of the Premier Division. Success has followed on the field too with a lucrative Europa League campaign last year being followed up with a run to this year's Setanta Cup Final.
The local developer, who also owns ToolFix in Dublin Street, has invested heavily in the club over the past five years, building a new shed and the lucrative Youth Development Centre. It is understood that he will remain in charge of the centre regardless of what decision he makes about the clubs future.
He admitted to the Dundalk Democrat, however, that he would prefer a "clean break" from the club where he to accept either offer and would likely vacate his position on the board.
"Both of these sets of people approached me so it wasnt something I was thinking about. Over the next few days I will look further into both offers and decide what is best for the club."
Matthews admitted that time was somewhat of the essence with a number of contracts. including that of manager Ian Foster, set to expire in November. However, he insisted there was no time frame in place to make a decision.
The CEO said he would discuss the matter with supporters following Friday night's home match against Bohemians. He said: " We're playing Bohs at home on Friday night and I'd like to have a buffet that night after the game to explain what we're doing and to tell supporters of where the club was and we'd like it to be going forward.
Matthews said no matter what his decision he would always try to help the club going forward, insisting he had a "passion for the club".
He admitted that each proposal had "pitfalls" but added that he was "impressed by both"
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