Drogheda players striker averted

Talks between the Drogheda United players and chairman Vincent Hoey have succeeded in averting a threatened strike over a payment dispute. It was agreed between both parties that players would be paid what they are owed this week and would therefore be available for the last game of the season against St Patrick's Athletic tomorrow evening.

The players were aggrieved at being paid just €200 last week after they had agreed to accept 30 per cent of their wages when the club went into examinership.

"The players accept my goodwill," Hoey told The Irish Times this afternoon.

He added that "the commitment, money and effort" put into 2007 champions over recent years is "unprecedented in Irish sport".

"Through no fault of our own, we find ourselves where we are."

In a statement released by the club, player spokesman Shane Robinson said: "Following this morning's meeting, I can confirm that the players will not be going on strike. While it is a difficult position we all find ourselves in, the players intend to fulfil our obligations until the end of the season."

Tomorrow's meeting with St Pat's is the last game of a season in which the 2007 champions have been deducted 10 points for entering examinership.

A win tomorrow, coupled with a Shamrock Rovers defeat at Finn Park, would see them finish seventh after the club decided not to appeal the points penalty.

Hoey called on football fans to support Drogheda at the United Park turnstiles tomorrow.

"I would ask all Drogheda united fans, and all football fans in general to do their bit by supporting the club tomorrow night," said the chairman.

Elsewhere, Bohemians defender Owen Heary has been named the eircom/Soccer Writers Association of Ireland (SWAI) player of the month for October.

Heary has been an integral part of Bohs' march to the title and FAI Cup final.