Limerick FC have reportedly agreed to mutually terminate eight contracts before the beginning of the July transfer window. Last month, it emerged that the club were enduring financial hardship, citing the decline in attendances in 2018 as a major factor.
Before the Bohemians league game at the Markets Field last month, a meeting was held between the squad and club officials. During the meeting, players were informed that the higher earners in the squad would be allowed to leave should another club show interest in their services and to allow for the possibility of a sustainable future for senior soccer in Limerick. The club were unable to pay last month’s wages on time but have since managed to pay all players what they are owed.
It has been widely reported that goalkeeper Brendan Clarke will sign for Waterford FC in the coming days while Daniel Kearns and Darren Dennehy are also expected to leave. Conor Clifford has been strongly linked with a move to St. Patrick’s Athletic. Striker Mark O’Sullivan has already left the club along with recently capped New Zealand international Henry Cameron. Furthermore, local football journalist Alan O’Brien broke the news that Tony Whitehead is also expected to depart and join Southern United which may be the only surprise.
The news will not come as a massive surprise to the clubs supporters even though it is extremely worrying with Bray Wanderers just six points behind Limerick heading into tomorrow night’s crucial game against the Seagulls at the Markets Field. With the release of so many experienced players, it makes life for Limerick manager Tommy Barrett much more difficult.