Merger proposal talks 'very positive'

SOCCER: Representatives of the FAI and the Eircom League clubs declared yesterday's first meeting to discuss proposals for a merger between the two organisations a success after agreeing to continue the talks in the middle of next week.

In a statement issued by the association afterwards the organisation's chief executive, Fran Rooney, described discussions as "very positive and constructive", a view that club officials endorsed.

With both sides reluctant to go into the detail of what was discussed it is not clear how much real progress has been made at this stage and one club official described the meeting as having been "very much about putting the past behind us. There's a huge way still to go," he added, "but the whole thing was very positive and there was a good deal of unity in there this afternoon which is something we haven't seen a whole lot of about the place lately."

The talks, which were attended by Rooney and FAI treasurer John Delaney for the association, and six club officials as well as the league's acting chairman and general manager, Declan O'Luanain and Michael Hayes respectively, went on for just over three hours.

Asked whether Rooney and Delaney had provided additional detail of their proposals for the merger, as outlined in their presentation to the league last week, one of those who attended responded: "No, that's one for the future really, but there was still quite a lot of ground covered."

Another, however, said he was impressed by Rooney's vision for the future of the league and added where yesterday's talks dealt with the chief executive's proposals they were both promising and highly constructive.

Rooney himself expressed satisfaction with the meeting, observing: "It was a very productive session and the level of debate and discussion bodes well for a very constructive path forward."

Rooney indicated at the weekend that he feels his proposals will probably take until well after next month's league a.g.m. to be properly considered and it seems yesterday's working group could meet several more times during the weeks ahead.

Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce, meanwhile, has told Jeff Kenna, he will definitely be offered a new contract by the club as soon as its top-flight status is guaranteed for next season.

The 33-year-old defender, who is out of contract in the summer, had expressed frustration recently over the club's unwillingness to open talks about extending his stay at St Andrews. His form since arriving at the club on a free transfer has been consistently strong and, having earned the last of his 27 caps for the Republic of Ireland against Turkey in 1999, he twice featured again in squads during the most recent qualifying campaign.

Nevertheless, the Dubliner, who endured a difficult time at Blackburn after falling out of favour, said he was unsure as to whether the club even wanted to keep him and if he did not receive a firm indication as to its intentions he would start looking around for another offers.

City officials, however, made it clear it is the club's policy to put all contract talks on hold until a place in the Premiership, and the estimated €21 million that goes with it, is guaranteed for next season. But with the club currently ninth and looking on course for a top half of the table finish Bruce yesterday assured the former international he still figures firmly in his plans.

"Where can you find someone like that with his experience? That is why he has played at this level for the last 10 years and won a championship," he said. "He reminds you now and again that he is a good footballer and he does not look out of place playing at left back. Long may it continue. He's been a terrific servant since arriving on a free transfer from Blackburn.

"He only missed one game last season. He is a great pro and is good to have around the place. I had better not say too much or he will be knocking on my door asking for a new contract! But I have told him that if we stay in this Premier League he has definitely earned one."