Waterford to Replace Shels

By Cathal Dervan

WATERFORD United have accepted an offer from the FAI to replace Shelbourne in the Premier Division of the new eircom League after Shels were relegated to the First Division after an investigation into their financial troubles.

The FAI’s First Instance Committee ruled on Monday night that Shels will only be granted a First Division license after the full extent of their financial woes came to light.

The reigning league champions have been given the right to appeal but Waterford have, in the meantime, been offered their place in the Premier Division and have accepted the invitation.

Waterford manager Gareth Cronin said, “It is every manager and player’s desire to compete at the highest level and Waterford United can now look forward to taking its place in the new look Premier Division. These are exciting times ahead and I have every confidence that we can be competitive in the new league.”

Bohemians and Drogheda United will meet in the pick of the opening night fixtures in the Premier Division on March 9 when Derry are at home to Bray, Galway United host Sligo Rovers, UCD play Shamrock Rovers with Waterford United scheduled to play Cork City.

Longford Town will St Patrick’s Athletic is to be played on Friday, March 10, while relegated Shelbourne will get their First Division campaign underway against Kildare County. Dundalk play Finn Harps in their opening game.

Wexford Youths first eircom League game will be away to Monaghan United, while Limerick 37 get their campaign underway against Cobh Ramblers and Athlone Town will host Kilkenny City.