Drogheda United boss Kevin Doherty has joked that he’ll have to start paying subs if his budget is cut next season.
The Boynesiders have defied many predictions this season by comfortably retaining their top-flight status.
And they have done it on what Doherty says is one of the lowest budgets in the league.
In his programme notes ahead of last Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Shamrock Rovers, Drogheda chairman Conor Hoey wrote that discussions with investors were taking place.
He warned that without a fresh cash injection, Doherty could have to work off a smaller kitty next year.
Doherty said: “I really don’t want to think about that because if it’s lower, I’ll have to start paying subs.
“Playing in the Premier Division, it can’t be any lower, because there are teams around us on a lot of more than us, below us.”
Cork City’s promotion and the prospect of a well-funded Waterford or Galway United joining them will make the battle to avoid the drop even tougher next year.
Hence the eagerness to conclude a deal with potential investors.
According to Hoey, discussions are taking place “with a number of external parties” regarding investment.
He added: “These discussions are still in early stages but some look promising. That said, it is a case of ‘show me the money’... and we await formal offers.
“All of these discussions involve investment in infrastructure (training facilities and the new stadium).”
Hoey wrote that progress had been made with Louth County Council on the new stadium site.
“For the first time in many years, I am actually optimistic that we can really progress this,” he penned.
“In addition to infrastructure, we also seek an investor who can subsidise the club’s wage budget before we get to a new stadium - whether this be going full-time or some form of hybrid model.
“The biggest problem we face is trying to get a deal done quickly so that Kevin and Daire know what sort of budget they have for next season. At the moment, that is my focus.
“The worst case scenario is that we don’t do a deal by mid-November.
“If that is the case, we need to try and see what we can afford for next season so we are working on those numbers as we speak.
“But let me be absolutely clear - things are incredibly tough financially at the moment and it is a serious strain on the club and all of us who are trying to keep us afloat.
“Without investment we face a massive uphill struggle just to be able to have a budget on the same level as we have this year.
“We will need every fan to weigh in and help us out. But let’s be optimistic, I think we can find an investor.”
Doherty has been kept up to date with the talks. One year into a three-year contract, he will be in the dugout next season regardless of the cash available.
“I’m very happy here, and I want to be here, and I want to progress, but you want to be doing really well,” he said.
“It will be tough (with a reduced budget), but I’m very happy here. I am happy here, my family love coming up here.
“It’s been five years here now when you think I was here with Tim (Clancy) as well.
“It’s a great club, I want us to push on. I’m not asking or looking to be Shamrock Rovers just yet. But resource wise, we’re so far behind.
“Imagine what we could do if we had a few things, even like lads working, the time we could spend would be brilliant.
“But to be fair to the club and Conor, they are looking really really hard.
“And I do think there is a fair bit of interest because I think it’s quite an attractive thing, because whatever happens with the ground, it is quite attractive and hopefully something happens.”
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