Following Derry City Football Club's explusion from the FAI League of Ireland the PFAI has been informed by the FAI that all players have been advised of their current status as free agents.

The PFAI can confirm that the players who are still in contract at Cork City Football Club will be meeting with the club's new General Manager, Mr Liam Meaney, at the end of the week.

These meetings are scheduled to discuss the player's current contracts ahead of season 2010.  Some of these players have already been hit with wage reductions during this season and chased the club for their wages throughout the year.

The bottom line is that the PFAI want the basic right of a player's contact to be honoured - pay wages as per the schedule of the contract - on time.  No player has yet refused to play for his club whilst not been paid for weeks and months on end and this has happened at a number of clubs in the League of Ireland during season 2009.

Here's hoping that we are not still talking about players not being paid in season 2010.

The Union, of whom the international team are associate members, has expressed its outrage at the huge injustice meted out to the Irish players and fans.

PFAI General Secretary, Stephen McGuinness, speaking from the congress of the World Players' Union, FIFPro, in Budapest, Hungary said "What happened last night was massively unjust. I have spent the day discussing the incident with my fellow colleagues from the unions around the world and the overwhelming feeling is that we are entitled to a replay."

Chris Fortuin of the South Africa Football Players' Union (SAFPU) is particularly vocal on this issue, "The players sweated blood for Ireland and for it to end in this manner would be extremely disappointing." he said.

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Gary Twigg was named the 2009 Ford PFAI Player of the Year on Sunday night.  Twigg was the deserved recipient at the PFAI Awards banquet held at the Burlington Hotel. He beat off competition from Bohemians' trio Brian Shelley, Gary Deegan and Jason Byrne; Dundalk's Chris Turner and Raffaele Cretaro of Sligo Rovers. The Shamrock Rovers' player received his award from Ford Ireland Managing Director, Eddie Murphy.

By Rachel Beresford, Ian Gaughran and Sharon Smith

Twigg's goal tally of 24 was just one shy of the league's all-time record and he paid tribute to his teammates: "I don't go and beat ten players to score goals, so I have to give credit to the lads for supplying me with the chances to score goals. The lads have been unbelievable all year so thanks must go to them."

Speaking after claiming the prestigious award, the Scottish striker said that league glory is Rovers' number priority for next season and admits that finally having a home of their own was a big benefit for Rovers this season and recognises that the Rovers' fans played a big part in their rapid rise up the league table, and he is confident the Tallaghtmen can go one better in 2010.

"Obviously we can improve in certain areas and the manager will be looking to strengthen the squad in the close season," he said. "After coming so close to ending Bohemians' recent domination we'll be looking to come back next season and win the league. That's what I think we can do."

It's no secret that Twigg enjoys a special relationship with Rovers' fans, and he paid tribute to the unbelievable support they have received in their first season in Tallaght, "We have the best fans in the league bar none, and it inspires us week in week out to produce the goods for them.

"Playing in front of six thousand fans every week gives the players such a lift, and it's because of the fans that we put such a great run together and came so close to winning the league. Hopefully next season we can go one better and bring them home some silverware, because they really deserve it.

"If you ask any Rovers fan what they want, it's a league winner's medal, and I'm no different, I want a league winner's medal.  It's been a long time since Rovers won the league, too long in fact. I know the rivalry between Bohs and Rovers, and I know it hurts the fans to see Bohs going so well. We've had our settling in period in Tallaght, now the fans will expect us to end this drought and that's exactly what we're aiming to do."

The Scotsman is also looking forward to his first European campaign and believes Rovers can make an impact on the Europa League, "It's something to really look forward to, I haven't played in Europe myself, but I'm confident we can progress. You look at how well the other League of Ireland teams have done this year, so hopefully we can pick it up from there, do ourselves proud, and more importantly do the fans and the League of Ireland proud."

Rovers' fans can sleep easy too, as Twigg has no intentions of going anywhere in the near future. He could not have spoke more highly of how the club has handled its business during such an uncertain time in the league, "Obviously everyone understands the situation at the moment but I'm more than happy here. To be honest I think every other club aspires to be like Rovers, to have the stability we have here. I'm under contract and I'm fully focussed on winning trophies for Rovers."

Ronan Finn of UCD picked up the First Division Player of the Year award from League of Ireland Director, Fran Gavin.  He was a worthy winner having captained UCD to the First Division title guiding them back into the premier division after just one year out.

Like Twigg, Ronan gives most of the credit to manager Martin Russell for UCD's success this season, "I have so much respect for Martin, he just lets us play, we go out and enjoy every game and he doesn't put any pressure on us. He knows we're young and that we'll make mistakes but he gives us free reign and that really helped us this year.

"At the start of the season, our main target was promotion. We never necessarily thought we'd win the league so that was an added bonus that really topped off a great season for us and to be captain of the side makes it even more special for me."

And this time Ronan is certain the premier division is where UCD will be staying for the foreseeable future, "We are more aware of the strength of the league now and we have some smashing young players, as well we've brought in talent in Paul Corry so along with the players that are there already I'm very confident that we'll do well."

Speaking about adding to their squad, Finn said "I'm sure Martin will bring in a few new players but I wouldn't like him to change it too much, I think everyone at the club is happy with the set-up we have now so hopefully it won't be too different next season."

Bohemians' Conor Powell was awarded the Young Player of the Year accolade; he was presented with his award by Irish Daily Mirror journalist Paul O'Hehir.  He celebrated his success with team mates Owen Heary, Brian Shelley, Jason Byrne and Gary Deegan.

Robbie Keane received the inaugural Irish Overseas Player of the Year award, beating Birmingham City's Keith Fahey and Stephen Ireland of Manchester City.

Alan Kelly received the Referee of the Year award; his fourth in five years and PFAI Delegate Liaison Officer, Ollie Cahill, presented Jerry Harris with the Merit Award for his services to Irish football and in particular his dedication to Cork City Football Club.

The PFAI congratulates all the winners and wishes them and all the players in the League of Ireland all the best for season 2010.

Jerry Harris receives the PFAI Merit Award from Ollie Cahill, PFAI Delegate Liaison Officer

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The Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland (PFAI ) has today announced Shamrock Rovers midfielder Stephen Rice as their new Chairman. He replaces Ollie Cahill, who held the role on an interim basis.

"It is a privilege to be elected the new Chairman of the PFAI." said Rice.  "These are difficult times for all stakeholders in the League of Ireland but hopefully I can assist Stephen McGuinness and the committee to restoring a solid structure to the game here.

"The PFAI's role within the game is becoming increasingly more important and I look forward to assisting the association achieve its aims in the coming years."

PFAI General Secretary, Stephen McGuinness, said, "We are delighted to have Stephen on board as our chairman. He is a highly respected player with Shamrock Rovers and if he brings the same professional attitude to our association, that he brings onto the pitch every week  he will be an outstanding chairman."

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