Gavin confirmed as new director

The FAI today confirmed the appointment of Fran Gavin as the new director of the revamped FAI Eircom League of Ireland.

Gavin, who turned out for five clubs in the domestic league in a playing career spanning 16 years, moves from the PFA of Ireland where he was chief executive.

The association has also appointed former Cork City, Shamrock Rovers and Limerick goalkeeper, Noel Mooney, as promotions manager of the new league.

"I am delighted to take the role, particularly at this time," Gavin said in a statement released this afternoon. "The league has a great opportunity for a new start under the umbrella of the FAI and the opportunities for development are very clear.

"There are big challenges and change won't come about overnight but with everyone pulling in the same direction, we can make a real go of professional football in Ireland."

Mooney, a former Cork City, Limerick and Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper, will be tasked with increasing the profile of the domestic game and attracting larger attendances to matches.

"League of Ireland football is a really good product but we need to get people to see it, sample it, change their perceptions and give them a reason to support one of our senior teams," he said.