Examiner appointed to Shamrock Rovers
Tuesday, 12 April 2005 17:04The High Court today appointed Neil Hughes, a founding partner of Hughes Blake Chartered Accountants, to be examiner to financially-stricken eircom League club Shamrock Rovers.
The homeless Dublin club, which is ultimately hoping to move into a new ground in Tallaght, has debts of over ¤2.36 million.
Speaking following his appointment, Mr Hughes said that his appointment confirms the High Court's view that Rovers have a reasonable prospect of survival.
He said: "The examinership process provides the club with the ideal framework to facilitate its survival.
"I will work to gain the support of creditors, members, the club's supporters, the directors and the company and all others associated with the club."
Mr Hughes continued: "The period of examinership will allow Shamrock Rovers to attract investment required to deal with its historic liabilities so as to ensure its survival in the short term, and the structure to provide for its success in the future.
"It also allows companies to continue to trade, ensuring that the value of assets, the brand and the goodwill are maximised for creditors."
Roddy Collins-managed Rovers are currently second bottom of the Premier Division, with just two points from a possible 12.
The club has been homeless since April 1987, when the then owners sold their home ground at Glenmalure Park, Milltown.
The club has since played home games at a number of venues in Dublin including Tolka Park, Dalymount Park, Richmond Park, the RDS and Morton Stadium.
In a statement this afternoon, the FAI have said that they are aware of today's High Court decision in relation to the appointment of an Interim Examiner to Shamrock Rovers.
As all eircom League Clubs are licensed through the UEFA Club Licensing System, the Association will convene a meeting of the Club Licensing First Instance Committee to examine the matter as soon as it has been formally notified by Shamrock Rovers FC in relation to the High Court decision.
It is hoped to convene such a meeting within the next 48 hours.
It is believed that the club's licence to play in the eircom League and membership of the league is not under threat.
