Shelbourne to accept their fate

League of Ireland: Reigning League of Ireland champions Shelbourne are believed to be set to announce today their intention not to appeal their demotion to First Division licence status.

With no manager and no team, the club are eager to finally put the decision of the FAI's First Instant Committee (FIC) of last Monday, that condemned them to relegation, behind them and prepare for the new season which begins in earnest a fortnight today. It also emerged yesterday that Alan Moore, the club's former Republic of Ireland international midfielder, is the chief candidate for their vacant managerial post. A full statement, or a hastily arranged press conference, regarding both pressing issues is expected from Tolka Park today following a further meeting of the club's board last night.

An appeal to the FIC's decision to relegate Shelbourne would have to be lodged by the club by Monday. While reluctantly accepting the decision to relegate them, the club are angered by the conditions of the decision, which stated that all debts to players (€147,000) and the Revenue Commissioners (€104,000) be paid by March 5th and, in particular, that they must then submit a further set of accounts for deliberation by the end of next month at which point their situation would be reviewed.

The club feel that despite their best efforts to right their situation, the threat they may be put out of business in a month's time should the FAI not be satisfied at that point remains.

Should 32-year-old Moore, with fellow midfielder Jim Crawford - who turned down the manager's post himself before Christmas - touted as his likely assistant, be installed as the club's new boss he faces a race against time to cobble together a team for Shelbourne's opening First Division game against Kildare County at Tolka Park on March 9th. The transfer deadline is next Wednesday after which only out of contract players can be signed.

Cork City, meanwhile, revealed a major new sponsorship deal with local brewer Beamish and Crawford whose name will be used on the front of the club's shirts next season.

Beamish replace Nissan as City's main sponsors while local media outlets, The Echo newspaper and Red FM, will also back the club financially over the next three years. In total the deal is reported to be worth just short of €500,000 over the next three seasons with the Beamish putting up around €300.000 of that.

"We're delighted that they're coming on board," said City chairman Brian Lennox at yesterday's announcement, "and we look forward to making them proud sponsors in 2007, both at home and abroad."

Limerick 37 play their first game tonight when they host Bray Wanderers in a friendly at Jackman Park. Three of last season's top defenders, Pat Purcell, Paul Finucane and Brian Buckley are expected to start in manager Paul McGee's first team sheet.

John Healy could start in goal and McGee is also likely to have a look at his new goalkeeper signing, Davy Ryan who was with Galway United for the past two seasons. Other newcomers to Limerick are expected to be striker Davy Wall and Peter McCarthy.