The Limerick FC saga continues to rumble on with clubs in the SSE Airtricity First Division getting frustrated with the increasing uncertainty. Following on from Limerick being allowed to apply for a licence to compete in 2020, the FAI released a new provisional fixture list during the week. Instead of the clubs playing each other three times, they will now play each other twice with a Shield competition being re-introduced ahead of the League start.
Now this all comes against the background of the discontent amongst the clubs over the introduction of Shamrock Rovers II. The clubs have threatened to boycott their games against the side. Also, the licences for the season haven’t been confirmed yet so there is every chance that Limerick won’t get a licence and should they not, you would imagine they wouldn’t take that decision lying down. Clubs will find out who gets licenced on 6th February.
Dundalk continue to prepare for the defence of their Premier Division title while they spent the week in Alicante with two high profile friendlies. They played CFR Cluj and CSKA Moscow and lost 2-1 and 2-0, giving a good account for themselves in both games. On the squad front, Cameron Dummigan has joined NIFL Premiership side Crusaders on loan until 30th June. The Dundalk manager says that he is still looking to get at least one if not two more players to his squad ahead of the season start.
Waterford FC were busy on the transfer front. First, they signed Robbie McCourt from Bohemian FC as he followed in the footsteps of his former teammate Scott Allardice. Then they announced the signature of Brentford midfielder Ali Coote who had previously been with Dundee United and East Fife. One player who won’t be taking to the pitch in the Regional Sports Centre this season is Kenny Browne as the club captain announced his retirement after a successful career in the League.
St. Patrick’s Athletic have looked to Scotland for a new addition as they brought in striker Martin Rennie from Montrose. Finn Harps have done likewise bringing in defender Kosovar Sadiki on loan from Hibernian. Derry City went further than Scotland – they signed Norwegian striker Tim Nilsen, most recently with Fredrikstad FK.
Galway United confirmed the signing of Canadian attacking midfielder Dylan Sacramento. He had been playing in New Zealand with Hawke’s Bay United, and his signing had been expected though as his girlfriend had been posting on Facebook looking for accommodation in Galway as her boyfriend was signing for the club. Sometimes you just can’t make it up!
