SHOULD HE lose some of his best players in this month’s transfer window, as he fears due to the club’s parlous financial state, Dundalk manager Seán McCaffrey says it could be an impossible task to avoid relegation.
Owner Gerry Matthews reiterated this week he will not be applying to have Dundalk’s licence renewed for 2013. Supporters group the Dundalk FC Community Trust are now in discussions on the feasibility of a takeover of the struggling club.
“I would be very concerned if it happens because we’re not in a great position as it is, but if we lose three or four players it’s going to be very, very difficult to keep the club in the Premier Division,” said McCaffrey as he prepares to bring his side to play Shelbourne at Tolka Park tonight. “We’ve had inquiries about Peter Cherrie, Derek Foran, Chris Shields, Mark Griffin and Michael Rafter. If we were to lose them, it would be mission impossible, I think.”
McCaffrey is without goalkeeper Ger Hanley (broken wrist) and defender Luke Danville (knee) while striker Rafter (ankle) is a doubt. Teenage right back Ben McLaughlin is back from holiday.
Shelbourne are missing suspended left-back Barry Clancy and right winger Anto Murphy while defender Ian Ryan needs to prove his fitness.
UCD remain without their leading scorer Graham Rusk due to a knee injury as they host Derry City. Defender David O’Connor is doubtful due to illness. Midfielder Mark Langtry is unavailable due to college commitments.
Defender Stewart Greacen (ankle), midfielder Kevin Deery (knee) and striker Mark Farren (knee) are out for Derry who will give fitness checks to Ger Doherty, Patrick McEleney, Ruaidhri Higgins and Rory Patterson.
