Sport

Byrne lines up major investors

Shelbourne chief executive Ollie Byrne has given his firmest indication yet that significant investment for the club is only …

Sat Jun 17 2006 - 01:00

Shelbourne chief executive Ollie Byrne has given his firmest indication yet that significant investment for the club is only around the corner, making recent financial troubles a thing of the past.

Speaking from the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, ahead of the Shelbourne Intertoto Cup tie with FK Vetra tomorrow, Byrne would not identify the potential investors but said negotiations were advanced.

"Negotiations with two individuals are at an advanced stage," he said. "I am confident that within the next two to three weeks Shelbourne Football Club will be able to announce an investment of €10 million to €15 million in the club.

"This will happen over a number of years and it is being done with the intention of bringing Shelbourne to the next level and a place in the Champions League group stages."

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Since Shelbourne settled a tax bill of €300,000 in April, Byrne has made no secret of his intention to seek fresh investment.

Controversial lawyer Giovanni de Stefano was due to hold talks with the 62-year-old soon after the tax settlement about a possible partnership, but any deal fell through when the Italian leaked details to the media.

Another name touted was that of businessman Ozzie Kilkenny, but Byrne yesterday ruled out his involvement.

He also said Shelbourne will soon announce their intention to move from Tolka Park.

"Within the next four to six weeks Shelbourne Football Club will announce details of a relocation from Tolka Park in adherence with the guidelines set out by the FAI and Department of Sport," said Byrne.

That would suggest Shels will be groundsharing and, as Byrne has ruled out sharing with Bohemians in Castleknock, Tallaght could be the preferred option.

But before all that, Shels have a European tie to worry about. Manager Pat Fenlon has already had to change training pitches because of the state of their original pitch and the team will train at the Vetra Stadium tonight.

Dave Rodgers is suspended for tomorrow's game (4pm Irish time). Jamie Harris and Jim Crawford have travelled to Vilnius but are not expected to be involved.