Northern Ireland round-up: Belfast talks hold the key

Radical plans
The governing body is to decide on proposals that could have a profound influence on the future of football in Northern Ireland. The British government has promised €11m in funding over the next three years - but only if the IFA agrees to implement radical plans to improve the running of the game.

Joint council
The IFA will vote on plans put forward by the Football Task Force, the chief proposal being to amalgamate the IFA and the Irish Football League into one joint authority, with the 55-member IFA Council replaced by a new 17-person executive committee.

Angry delegates
That issue caused a walk-out by several delegates at an IFA Council meeting in March, angered by a motion to give automatic places on the new executive committee to the IFA vice-president and treasurer at the expense of one of the representatives from the clubs.

Hamilton warning
Former Northern Ireland international Billy Hamilton, who chaired the Football Task Force, has warned that the plan must be accepted, else the game risks disaster. Hamilton described the proposals as "a once only, never to be repeated, take it or leave it offer" and claimed the Northern Ireland sports minister, Angela Smith, is "fed up with the foot-dragging".

Now or never
Hamilton hinted that the offer of money would expire after Friday night's AGM unless the proposals are accepted, adding: "There will be no Task Force 2, no tinkering, no regeneration and no money if this falls on Friday night."

Winger wants out
Meanwhile, the transfer market continues to move slowly along. Glenavon FC winger Marc McCann has said he wants to leave Mourneview Park after the club narrowly avoided relegation. However, young striker Andrew Hamilton will stay at Glenavon after signing a one-year contract.

Rebuilding plans
Linfield FC last week released four players as part of manager David Jeffrey's rebuilding plans following a disappointing campaign when the Blues finished fourth in the Premier Division, winning no trophies while arch-rivals Glentoran FC won a treble including the league. The four on their way out of Windsor Park are midfielders Justin McBride, Garth Scates, Russell Kelly and Jamie Marks.

Efforts rewarded
Omagh Town FC have handed professional contracts to teenagers Noel Johnston and Richard Clarke after both played their parts in a good season for the Tyrone team, finishing fifth and earning a place in the UEFA Intertoto Cup after Linfield turned it down.