Sport

Mahon management demands tight belt

National League: UCD manager Pete Mahon says the demise of Dublin City has highlighted the need for greater financial prudence…

Paul Buttner
Fri Jul 21 2006 - 01:00

National League: UCD manager Pete Mahon says the demise of Dublin City has highlighted the need for greater financial prudence by national league clubs.

Despite the apparent miracle its CEO Ronan Seery was orchestrating in keeping the club afloat, there was no real hint of any serious difficulties at Dublin City prior to its dramatic collapse on Wednesday.

Though, like Dublin City, UCD have a tiny fan base, Mahon believes sticking rigidly to their budget is the only way to remain in senior football.

"It was a brave move," said Mahon of the decision by Seery to wind up his club. "It was an honourable move for Rocky to make if he felt he couldn't carry on. But it was very sad to see.

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"I don't think we'd ever find ourselves in that position because we don't pay out what we can't afford," said the College boss, who by way of example cited his attempt to sign three players at the start of the season who then went to Dublin City for more money.

"I think much of the difference between the people running UCD and other clubs is that they are responsible," added Mahon. "As a manager . . . I'm governed by a budget and I'm happy enough to work within that.

"Sometimes there are teams in the same category as us, but not doing their business as we do. Unfortunately, that appears to have been what's happened at Dublin City."

Though captain Tony McDonnell (hamstring), Alan Mahon (knee) and Paul Byrne (ankle) are back in full training, they won't be risked by Mahon for UCD's trip to face Shelbourne at Tolka Park tonight.

Midfielder Alan Moore, who has a hip complaint, is again doubtful for Shelbourne, who will go back top of the table if they win.

The match between Sligo Rovers and Cork City, scheduled for the Showgrounds tomorrow evening, has been postponed to assist Cork's preparations for their Uefa Champions League match with Red Star Belgrade at Turner's Cross next Wednesday.

Tonight's fixtures: Eircom League Premier Division - Shelbourne v UCD (8pm). First Division - Limerick FC v Kildare County (7.45pm), Monaghan Utd v Galway Utd (8pm).