GENESIS REPORT: The FAI's board of management yesterday endorsed the view of the association's council that it should press ahead with implementing the changes recommended in the Genesis report, reports Emmet Malone.

The organisation's officers won the argument, started last week in Dundalk, over whether they should be automatically entitled to places on the 10-strong implementation committee. This means Milo Corcoran, John Delaney, David Blood, Kevin Fahy and Michael Hyland will take up half of the seats on the committee, while Michael Cody of Cobh Rambers, UCD's Brendan Dillon, Donal Conway of the Schools FAI, Jim McConnell of the Ulster FA and Frances Smith of the WFAI have been elected to take the other places.

The committee will meet on December 17th. A consultation process on the proposed changes is also to be initiated with the game's grass roots.

DROGHEDA TAKE-OVER: The anticipated takeover of Drogheda United has been completed, meanwhile, with almost 20 new investors committing themselves to putting money into the troubled premier division outfit.

Former chairmen Paddy Martin and Vincent Hoey, as well as former director Eamon Kelly, are among involved in the restructured club, but current chairman Peter Delaney will be staying on at least until the end of the season.

McATEER INJURY: Sunderland midfielder Jason McAteer faces the possibility of another operation on his troublesome hernia that could keep him out of action for a further two months.

BIRMINGHAM SIGNING: Birmingham City have signed Senegal World Cup defender Ferdinand Coly from the French club Lens.

The 29-year-old right-back follows his international team-mate Aliou Cisse to the club on a six-month loan deal that begins on January 1st.

Birmingham will have the option of a three-year deal if they retain their Premiership status.