UEFA green light Showgrounds for Europe
Credit:
The speculation concerning the suitability of the Showgrounds to host
Sligo Rovers upcoming 3rd Round Qualifying seems to have been resolved
in the Bit O'Reds favour.
Rovers will have to make some minor alterations to the grounds to meet Europa League standards however, after UEFA delegates visited the stadium for an inspection. Sligo will have to extend the playing area of the Showgrounds pitch, which is famed as an excellent playing surface plus adding further seating the south end of the stadium in turn bringing the overall capacity to 3,600.
On hearing of the stipulations for change at the Showgrounds, FAI Chief Executive John Delaney made a promise to the Sligo supporters to do everything in his power to ensure the game was played in Sligo. The Chief Executive even went so far as to promise e5,000 out of his own pocket, such was his dedication to the cause, "I recently pledged to make a personal contribution to Sligo Rovers to help with the ground improvements at the Showgrounds as I felt it was vital for football in the area that this game be allowed take place in Sligo. I am delighted to hear the news from UEFA today and will be glad to honour my commitment to the club as it is a great day for Sligo football.”
Michael Doolin, the Sligo Rovers Chairman was quick to heap praise on the efforts of the FAI, the Licensing Department and the individual efforts of John Delaney. "I would like to place on record my thanks to the FAI and the Club Licensing Department and John Delaney in particular for the amount of work that was put into securing this game for the people of Sligo,” said Toolan. “This occasion will be very important for the football community in Sligo and for Paul Cook and his squad in particular it was crucial that the game took place at The Showgrounds.”
The Bit O'Red won't know who they will face in the showpiece until after the 2nd Round Qualifiers are complete but possible competition for the game could be Athletico Madrid, Stoke City, Sparta Prague, Palermo or Red Star Belgrade.
Rovers will have to make some minor alterations to the grounds to meet Europa League standards however, after UEFA delegates visited the stadium for an inspection. Sligo will have to extend the playing area of the Showgrounds pitch, which is famed as an excellent playing surface plus adding further seating the south end of the stadium in turn bringing the overall capacity to 3,600.
On hearing of the stipulations for change at the Showgrounds, FAI Chief Executive John Delaney made a promise to the Sligo supporters to do everything in his power to ensure the game was played in Sligo. The Chief Executive even went so far as to promise e5,000 out of his own pocket, such was his dedication to the cause, "I recently pledged to make a personal contribution to Sligo Rovers to help with the ground improvements at the Showgrounds as I felt it was vital for football in the area that this game be allowed take place in Sligo. I am delighted to hear the news from UEFA today and will be glad to honour my commitment to the club as it is a great day for Sligo football.”
Michael Doolin, the Sligo Rovers Chairman was quick to heap praise on the efforts of the FAI, the Licensing Department and the individual efforts of John Delaney. "I would like to place on record my thanks to the FAI and the Club Licensing Department and John Delaney in particular for the amount of work that was put into securing this game for the people of Sligo,” said Toolan. “This occasion will be very important for the football community in Sligo and for Paul Cook and his squad in particular it was crucial that the game took place at The Showgrounds.”
The Bit O'Red won't know who they will face in the showpiece until after the 2nd Round Qualifiers are complete but possible competition for the game could be Athletico Madrid, Stoke City, Sparta Prague, Palermo or Red Star Belgrade.
