Setanta CupAn open game of soccer is expected in the inaugural Setanta Cup final but, in the wake of violent scenes after last month's Linfield and Glentoran match, the main issue surrounding Saturday evening's final at Tolka Park is security
Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon, who once played with the northern club, was first to defend the recently tarnished name of the Linfield fans.
"I played at Linfield for three seasons and never seen an ounce of trouble," he said. "I was treated magnificently up there. (There is) a lot of good people involved in the club. You know, you can't legislate for people that are not attached to Linfield Football Club or Shelbourne Football Club - and hopefully they stay away because we don't need them.
"We got a great competition. It's run really well. It can help built the profile of the clubs, it can help build the profile of the leagues and these people should just stay away.
"I don't think it will be a major problem. I think the Linfield supporter that come will be the regular supporter that go week in, week out to watch their team play and the same with Shelbourne."
Shelbourne secretary Ollie Byrne said he expects around 5,000 fans to attend the final, with a 7.30 kick-off to facilitate those watching the FA Cup, with Linfield expected to take up at least half of their 2,000 ticket allocation in the Riverside Stand.
"We have a good reputation in that regard and don't want to spoil it and we will have a very strict monitoring system to make sure the right people are getting in," said Byrne.
This is the first year of the four-year competition and Setanta Sports have got the ideal finale with the leading Eircom League club and 2004 Irish League champions making the decider.
Fenlon's only gripe regarding the current format is that northern clubs are competing at the end of their season.
"I think we could change the fact that the season ended for the northern teams before the final games were played.
"I know it's hard and quite difficult to get in a space where we are both playing at the same time but that's the only thing. From everyone's point of view the games have been excellent."
The victors on Saturday pick up the €150,000 prize fund with the defeated taking €80,000 home.
All clubs involved were guaranteed €30,000 from the outset.
