Waterford United manager Roddy Collins has challenged FAI chief John Delaney to a boxing match to raise funds for his cash-strapped hometown club.
Delaney is a former director of the club and Collins, brother of former World champion boxer Steve, believes that the "Waterford stalwart" could play his part in ensuring the team's survival by stepping into the ring for a novelty contest.
“I want to challenge FAI chief executive John Delaney to a white-collar boxing match to raise funds for Waterford United,” Collins told buzz.ie
“I want to stage the bout in the Woodlands Hotel in Waterford. Three rounds. John, given training requirements, can choose the date. It would be great craic and for a great cause.
Waterford are sixth in the First Division after losing five of their opening eight games and suffered a 7-0 defeat to Cork City in the EA Sports Cup last week.
Collins was banned for six games and fined €1,500 by the FAI last month after describing the state of the league as a "shambles".
An open meeting to discuss the clubs future will take place this Wednesday at 7pm in the Woodlands Hotel. All are welcome to attend
— Waterford United FC (@WaterfordUnited) April 24, 2016
An open meeting to discuss the club's predicament takes place on Wednesday and though Collins admits that a long-term strategy is needed, he believes Delaney could "secure the future of the club in one night" if he agreed to a bout.
“We need support. We need fans living in Waterford, all around the country and abroad to come together and ensure a stable future for the club," said Collins.
“But in the short-term, money is required to keep the show on the road. And that’s where a great Waterford United stalwart like John Delaney comes in.
“People might think I’m kidding, or that this is a hangover from my recent dealings with the FAI. But it’s not. If anything, I’m holding out an olive branch.
“Roddy versus JD, three rounds in the Woodlands Hotel. We’d pack the place out and all for a brilliant cause. We could secure the future of the club in one night.”
