Shamrock Rovers can be sold

THE majority of the Shamrock Rovers shareholders yesterday gave the club's chairman and major shareholder John McNamara approval to complete the deal with prospective new owners headed by Alan McGrath of Premier Group.

Though some shareholders were disenchanted with the proposals put before them (it is believed that five left the meeting prematurely) the remaining seven shareholders (who own 87 per cent of the club) gave their seal of approval.

McNamara, who saved the club from extinction eight years ago during which time they won the league in 1994, hailed the decision as an historic" one for the club. "We always said we would make way for someone who could take the club a step further and this will take Rovers into the 21st century. If the deal is done we leave the club vibrant and not owing a penny to anyone.

It is expected that a takeover will be completed within a week, resulting in the club temporarily moving to Tolka Park next season before the completion of an 8,000 all seater stadium near the Square in Tallaght. Planning application for the new stadium comes up for approval before the Dublin County Council tonight.

Pat Byrne will become the club's new general manager, with Alan O'Neill remaining team manager. All existing Rovers players have re signed, and O'Neill is having talks with Linfield's Pat Fenlon and UCD's under-21 international striker Mick O'Byrne with a view to strengthening the squad.

Meanwhile, Martin McDonnell, Aidan Rooney and Nick Broujos have agreed terms and resigned for Sligo Rovers for the 1996-97 season, thus strengthening their squad for the InterToto Cup.

. Kieran O'Brien has been added to the National League Olympic squad which flies out to the USA today for a three match tour.

. Alan Gough, the Shelbourne goalkeeper, has re signed for Shelbourne despite strong overtures from Linfield.

. Drogheda United, relegated from the Premier Division of the National League at the end of last season, have confirmed Anto Whelan as the replacement for their departed manager Jim McLaughlin. The former Shelbourne defender will take charge of rebuilding the United team ahead of the campaign for reelection and he will be helped by the club's former manager, Liam Brien.