DERRY City manager Declan Devine continues to remain focused that the Airtricity League will resume in June, despite the chances being highly unlikely.
The Candystripes boss says he was happy with the options which were presented by the FAI after a meeting last Wednesday.
“My mind is still working towards playing again on June 19th, that’s what I’m targeting,” stated the City gaffer.
“If it’s pushed back again then I’ll look at it then, but at the moment we have got to be ready for that date by making sure we are organised and ready to go.
“We have to make sure the players are focused on that, they don’t start listening to misinformation. They have to stay focused on being ready for June 19th, until such times we are told differently.
“I was pleased the FAI issued a range of plans. If we don’t have hope, then what have we got at this moment in time. We need to have something to look forward to and I’m sure it will be done in the right way.
“If it comes quicker than people are thinking, great, but if it doesn’t then at least we know we still have something to come back to and that’s the biggest plus from the recent FAI announcement.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin TD, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, has called on the Minister for Sport to provide financial support directly to struggling clubs.
“The reality is that all sport organisations in the state are currently under severe pressureand the League of Ireland is no exception,” he stated.
“We saw St Patrick's Athletic announce that they will be laying off all players and staff temporarily given no return to the league is predicted until at least August or September of this year at the very earliest.
“As many are aware, League of Ireland clubs generally operate on shoestring budgets and are now facing into somewhat of an existential crisis.
“For most clubs, their commercial, fundraising, merchandise and gate receipt income has fallen through the floor during this crisis.
“Even if the league does return, it is likely that attendances, if permitted at all, could be greatly reduced to ensure social-distancing measures can be adhered to inside stadiums. This would have a huge knock-on effect to club's budgeted incomes.
“I am asking that the Minister for Sport commit to a support package for the league and affiliated clubs, if it becomes apparent that we are heading for what would be the worst-case scenario of there being no return of League of Ireland football this year or the threat of clubs having to enter into processes of administration or liquidation.
“Players, staff and fans would certainly find some solace in any such commitment.
FAI's FIVE options for resumption
** a resumption of league games behind closed doors on June 19
** a resumption of games with stadium capacity restrictions
** a resumption in July or August
** a deferral of all league activity until September with a reduced fixture programme season to run until the end of December
** a resumption in September with a full fixture programme season to run until the end of February 2021
