Relegation-threatened Limerick FC are reported to be in crisis after their entire playing squad were informed they can leave the club because wages continue to go unpaid.
Per the Irish Mirror, club officials informed the squad of the news of last night as they played out a 1-1 draw with Bohemians. It comes after earlier this year Limerick owner Pat O’Sullivan had confirmed he was trying to sell some or all of his share in the club.
Reliably told that the Limerick players were told after tonight's draw with Bohemians that there's no wages and - as they haven't been paid since end of April - the entire squad is free to leave
— Paul O'Hehir (@paulohehir) June 1, 2018
Limerick FC goalkeeper Brendan Clarke confirmed the news when speaking to the Limerick Leader. Clarke said the club did apologise to the players.
The club apologised for lateness of wages and said they’re waiting on sponsors cheques to clear. Club officials then told us that the way things are, we’re free to go and we won’t stand in your way.
After the meeting, officials left and then coaching staff left. We had a discussion about whether or not we’d play – do we or do we not? Do we train or do we not? Everyone's now been landed in the bullshit stereotypical League of Ireland situation which is embarrassing. It's a real eye-opener for some of younger lads in the squad. But we decided there was no point in making a bad situation worse.
As recently as last week, Clarke appeared on the Greatest League in the World podcast and was fully focused on the club's football: "We've done okay, we have dropped points when we shouldn't have. If we can turn that corner I think we will be alright."
Of 21 games, Limerick FC have had 10 home matches so far this season. They have prolonged periods ahead without any home games (1 July-28 July and 2 September - 6 October) which will result in tighter finances once again as gate revenues decrease. The club are fixed for an away game against Dundalk next Friday, with the possibility of them being unable to field proving hugely problematic for the FAI.
