Two leading potential investors have withdrawn their interest in Shamrock Rovers but the club’s court appointed examiner, Neil Hughes, insists all is not lost as the club attempts to secure its future.
Newcastle businessmen Brian Quigley and Brooks Mileson were close to agreeing terms and conditions that would facilitate a takeover of the club.
But negotiations hit a stumbling block this week when the two front-runners clashed with South Dublin County Council over plans for the club’s stadium site in Tallaght.
Mileson and Quigley are leading figures behind Gretna's rise through the divisions in Scottish football.
This latest blow comes at an advanced stage in the club’s examinership period and Hughes said that was disappointing. He did confirm, though, that discussions with other potential investors are ongoing.
As the club’s examinership process nears an end Hughes maintains a number of issues have "crystallised" and that this will make potential investment "more straightforward."
Amid financial difficulties the club was placed into examinership in April but the period of protection provided by the courts ends on July 19th.
Rovers are bottom of the eircom League Premier Division following an eight point deduction after irregularities were found in financial accounts submitted when applying for a licence for the current season.
Despite all their off-field problems, Roddy Collin’s men have battled admirably on the pitch and meet fellow strugglers Finn Harps in a crucial league game for both sides at Dalymount Park tonight.
In a separate development, Longford Town are set to ban Rovers supporters from attending next week’s league game at Flancare Park.
A Longford statement read: "Because of the actions of a minority of Shamrock Rovers fans the security concerns and costs involved has necessitated the need for this decision.
"As a family club we are aware that many of our supporters are unwilling to bring children to home games involving Shamrock Rovers.
"It is unfortunate that our club has had to make this decision and we would request that Shamrock Rovers supporters would accept this decision and not to travel to the fixture as they will not be admitted into the ground."
Representatives of Longford Town will meet Shamrock Rovers and eircom League officials next week to discuss the matter.