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Shels manager Morris says retaining FAI Cup an extra incentive


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Shelbourne manager Ian Morris has welcomed the July 31 return date for the SSE Airtricity League. 

The National League Executive Committee decision still needs to be ratified by the FAI Board.

However, promotion and relegation will be retained and Interim Deputy CEO Niall Quinn says the FAI Cup will be played, with the quarter-finals onwards coming after the league season.

Quinn says the eight clubs "will be rewarded for getting to that point".

He added, "That will help them financially to get the games played for the following two or three weeks after the season ends."

When the league was halted in March, Shelbourne had won two and lost two of their opening four games.

Clubs have been back training for the past fortnight in anticipation of an end to the tortuous talks between clubs and the FAI.

Speaking to the 1895 Podcast, Shels boss Morris could hardly contain his joy at having a return to play set in stone, "Today we all got the confirmation we've been waiting for since March. The league is confirmed back again on July 31.

"The dedication and the commitment from the players and the staff to keep on working really hard behind the scenes over the last 14-15 weeks has come to real fruition now since we've been back.

"This is into week-3. The lads are looking really well. We've a couple of little knocks, nothing major.

"We've our first pre-season game this Saturday against Longford, obviously behind closed doors.

Morris says keeping the FAI Cup will be important for many clubs this season, "It's fantastic just to have a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.

"With the FAI Cup in place as well, it's that extra bit of incentive. It's a massive massive target for everyone to try and hit.

"It's just great that we're going to be back playing games, and it's just more than welcome."


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FAI FAI Cup Ian Morris Niall Quinn SSE Airtricity League SSE Airtricity Premier Division Shelbourne

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