McGrath to sue FAI over his resignation

NOT a day goes by without another twist in the running FAI saga. The latest development, the announcement that the former national director of coaching, Joe McGrath, has issued legal proceedings against the beleaguered association, constitutes another public relations blow.

According to a statement issued through his solicitor, Dr Mary Redmond, McGrath instituted legal proceedings because of the circumstances of his resignation. It added: "McGrath categorically denies that he resigned as director of coaching because he was offered and accepted the post of national coach in New Zealand."

In the statement, McGrath says: "When the facts emerge this will be proved conclusively. I am breaking my silence because of reports in the media over the last two weeks that my resignation from the FAI was a non event. I did not resign to enable me to go to another job."

"It is most regrettable that have to go to law, and given that legal proceedings have now been instituted I cannot make any further comment. I want to thank everyone who sent me messages of support in recent days. I have received many, many calls and letters from a wide cross section of the football public. I can only say that these have meant a great deal to me."

Speaking on behalf of the FAI, the association's acting secretary, Brendan Menton, said: "That's Joe's prerogative. Obviously, if he feels aggrieved over some of the circumstances surrounding his employment with the association then he's entitled to take action. I can't say much more than that because the legal proceedings preclude me from commenting further."

. Dermot Keely has been appointed manager of First Division promotion aspirants Finn Harps. He takes over from Charlie McGeever, caretaker manager following Patsy McGowan's dismissal. McGeever will remain on as Keely's assistant.

Keely has already negotiated one promotion campaign with Sligo Rovers, following a baptism of fire at Shamrock Rovers in their post Milltown season. He has also managed Longford and Dundalk, whom he guided to the championship last season before resigning earlier this month.