NIFL chief executive Gerard Lawlor offers an upbeat update on sub regional stadia funding

NI Football League chief executive Gerard Lawlor has a renewed confidence that the long-awaited sub regional stadia funding can progress as expected in the near future.

NIFL and Irish FA chiefs met with Deirdre Hargey last week to air their concerns after the project was shelved by the Minister of the Department for Communities.

The Minister initially said the fall of the Executive could further delay the £36m package, but then appeared to step back from that position after a constructive meeting with football representatives.

And on Monday night, Lawlor offered an upbeat update after holding a meeting with NIFL's member clubs from the Premiership, Championship, Premier Intermediate and Women’s Premiership.

He said: “Following our meeting with the Minister of the Department for Communities, we have the opportunity now to finally progress the flagship project of sub regional stadia funding.

“We are working to provide the opportunity for this vital support to all our 43 member clubs and the next steps are for NIFL are to understand the needs and necessities of our members.

“We will do that by going out and meeting with all of our clubs.”

Monday night’s meeting, which was hosted at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park, was described as “hugely productive”.

Lawlor, NIFL Chairman Colin Kennedy and Chief Operating Officer Steven Mills provided member clubs with a detailed update on recent talks with political representatives.

“The meeting was important for us as an organisation to communicate the latest information with member clubs,” said Lawlor.

The Executive committed £36m to the development of local football stadiums in Northern Ireland in 2015.

However, it is understood local football chiefs will press Stormont