Seasons in the sun a winner

Officials from the country's 22 senior clubs will have to meet again later in the close season to overhaul the National League rule book but Saturday's a.g.m. in Derry will go down as one of the most productive in recent years, given it ratified the switch to summer soccer.

With only Finn Harps and St Patrick's Athletic voicing any opposition to the move, there was never any doubt the new March to October season would be adopted. In fact, the Dublin club's representative, Phil Mooney, simply suggested the entire move had been rushed and called for the matter to be considered further. When the proposals were put to a vote, though, the margin in favour was, as expected, 20 to two. The upshot is that next season will be completed by March, with the following season running from June 1st to December 31st, 2002. The new season of early March to late October will then take effect.

The intention is the impact of the change will be assessed over a three-year period before a final decision is made. Meanwhile, moves aimed at ensuring a repeat of the frequent clashes during the season just ended over whether particular games should go ahead at given times were postponed to a planned e.g.m. to be held before the start of the new campaign.

The intention is the league will be given greater powers to enforce fixture lists and oblige clubs to play when they are told. More limited powers of appeal are also part of the package which, it is intended, will be in place by August. There few surprises in the various elections for league bodies held on Saturday, although St Patrick's did lose their representation on the Board of Management when Mooney failed to keep his seat. Galway United's John Byrne also stood down, while Ollie Byrne of Shelbourne and St Francis's Alan Duncan were elected.

Mick McCarthy's senior Ireland panel will gather in Dublin this morning before training for the first time this afternoon. The manager said yesterday he had received no word from any of his players regarding injury problems. Meanwhile, Derry City skipper, Peter Hutton, has stunned his home town club by joining Shelbourne on a one-year contact. The versatile central defender, one of Derry's key players last term, had been out of contract but it was understood the 28-year-old had agreed to remain at the Brandywell. "I've a reputation for always getting my man," declared Shels boss Dermot Keely last night. "I've been after Peter for three weeks now and I'm delighted to have signed him." Hutton will travel to Dublin on a weekly basis.

"The travelling can become very difficult for players, therefore, we decided a one-year deal was best for both parties and we'll reassess the situation after that," said Keely.

The player was adamant he had not moved for money. He said he remained "very ambitious" and suggested that with Shelbourne he had a much better chance of winning trophies.

PREMIER DIVISION FIXTURES (weekend ending Sunday, August 12th): Bohemians v Derry City; Bray Wanderers v Shamrock Rovers; Dundalk v UCD; Longford V Cork City; Monaghan United v Shelbourne; St Patrick's Athletic v Galway United.