Collins named Cork City boss but Floriana cry foul

Roddy Collins was yesterday named manager of Irish Premier League club Cork City but news of his appointment drew a terse response from Floriana FC who are demanding compensation from Collins's new employers on the grounds that the Irishman is still under contract.

"It was with great surprise that Floriana FC learned this afternoon that our coach Roddy Collins has signed a 12-month contract with Cork City in Ireland, and that the Cork City FC general manager publicly claimed in error that Mr Collins 'is a free agent'," Joe Cauchi, Floriana's acting president, said in a statement, yesterday.

"At no time have Floriana given Mr Collins permission to speak with any other club and furthermore have not released him from his contract. Floriana have fulfilled in excess all contractual obligations to Mr Collins since his arrival in Malta."

Collins took charge of Floriana last summer but quit his post last week, citing family reasons. The Greens have refused to terminate his contract.

"We will be contacting Cork City owner Tom Coughlan to try and come to an arrangement over compensation not to take this matter further than an amicable settlement," Cauchi added.

"We do not wish to bring the Malta FA (MFA) or Football Association of Ireland (FAI) into this matter as we believe that a professional club of Cork City's stature will wish to do the right thing for their reputation and image, the good of the game and for the betterment of both clubs."

Meanwhile, Collins is also reported to be considering his legal avenues as he's alleging that Floriana FC breached the contract during the time he spent coaching the team.