Collins settles unfair dismissal claim

Former Eircom League manager Roddy Collins has settled his claim for unfair dismissal against Shamrock Rovers Football Club. Collins withdrew his claim before the Employment Appeals Tribunal in Dublin yesterday after nearly two hours of talks between the parties.

Tribunal chairman Dermot MacCarthy accepted the outcome of the talks and the hearing did not proceed as scheduled. Mr MacCarthy said the claim had been "withdrawn unconditionally".

Afterwards Martin Dully BL, representing Collins, said: "We have withdrawn the claim and would like to wish Shamrock Rovers Football Club well in the future."

Ercus Stewart SC, representing Branvard Ltd, trading as Shamrock Rovers, agreed the matter had been resolved amicably. "Each party now wishes the other well for the future," he said.

Relations between club and manager became strained when the club suspended Collins in November 2005 pending an investigation into his conduct. The club was concerned about apparent poor preparation and maintenance of discipline within the team.

Directors were also disappointed to see Mr Collins criticise the board in media interviews. The board claimed Mr Collins was aware of budgetary restraints but nevertheless regularly called for investment in players.

Matters came to a head when Collins left early from a crucial league game against St Patrick's Athletic to attend a boxing match at a time when the club was facing a relegation battle.

Following a week-long investigation, Collins - who had one year remaining on his contract - was sacked. The club was relegated from the Premier Division that season after a play-off.

Speaking on radio soon after his dismissal, Collins said it was obvious "they didn't want me at the club, and that's their prerogative". He added he would take the issue to court as a "matter of principle".

Speaking outside the tribunal yesterday Collins said he was "delighted" with the resolution, which is confidential. "It was an unfortunate incident and it was even more unfortunate it has come to court," he said.

"There is no animosity between me and the lads who run Shamrock Rovers Football Club." Collins said it had been an "honour" to manage Shamrock Rovers.

Shamrock Rovers chairman Jonathan Roche was "happy" the matter had come to an end. Getting Ireland's most famous soccer club "back to where it belongs" is now his priority, he said.