Europe - here we come for Dundalk FC
IT'S all systems go for Dundalk FC's 2010 Europa League adventure as Lilywhites boss Ian Foster has been accepted onto the UEFA Pro-Licence course.
On March 1, Foster was awarded his A-Licence qualifications, but there was still some doubt as to whether the Lilywhites would be allowed to enter the qualifying rounds of the Europa League as the Liverpudlian did not hold a UEFA Pro-Licence.
But all the questions were cleared up with a call from FAI CEO John Delaney as Foster is enrolled on the Pro-Licence course - being run by the English FA - which allows him to lead his team into Europe, something he is understandably ecstatic with.
He said: "I would like to thank everybody who got involved with that. It's very difficult to get on the English Pro-Licence as there is a lot of high-class people trying to get on it as it is invitation only to these things.
"I looked at the 2009 Pro-Licence courses and the likes of Mike Phelan were on it and he is the assistant manager at Manchester United, so it is very high profile names who get on on it and I am delighted to get on it.
"But the bigger picture is that it gives the green light for us to compete in the Europa League. The players are really looking forward to it."
Gerry Matthews, Dundalk FC CEO said: "We are very appreciative of the efforts of the FAI, and have no doubt that their recommendations and support for Ian's Pro License application played a major part in securing this coveted place on the English FA course.
"The next FAI Pro License course would not be in time for this year's Europa League, and I was delighted to receive the call from John Delaney relaying the good news."
Foster may have to spend a week in England as part of the commitments for the course, but in his absence, Wayne Hatswell will take training.
The week was not all plain sailing for the manager as he was hit with the news that Sam Malsom's registration was blocked by the FAI.
Now, he is looking to bring in a new striker, following the departure of Malsom, who in an attempt to boost his fitness over the close season, lined out Devon team Tiverton Town FC. As a result, the FAI failed to clear Malsom to play for Dundalk until July 1.
Now, Foster is down a striker and with Tirnan Mulvenna injured, he is short on options up front.
Foster said: "Sam went back to England to get himself fit and didn't realise the consequences when he did.
"It leaves me without back-up strikers because obviously Tiarnan is out and Sam is unavailable so we are working hard to try and get someone in but it is not easy because there is not that many out of work players.
"We've got the wages we were offering Sam there and we will be working hard to try and get someone who fits the bill."
q Dundalk FC v Drogheda United kicks off at 4.30pm on Sunday at Oriel Park.
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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