Manager Eddie Gormley believes Cabinteely can sustain a presence in the SSE Airtricity League for years to come. Photo: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE

Eddie Gormley firmly believes Cabinteely FC, Ireland's newest SSE Airtricity League club, can defy the sceptics and prove to be an unexpected success.

Officially granted a licence to compete in the League of Ireland's First Division only yesterday, Cabinteely arrive into an already congested Dublin marketplace, where they will fight for players and spectators with five other clubs from the capital as well as near neighbours Bray Wanderers.

If their arrival has been greeted with cynicism, then that is a reflection of the league's chequered history. Just a year ago, Shamrock Rovers 'B' joined the League but their swift exit has created the vacancy for Cabinteely to fill.

Those with longer memories will recall the brief stints Sporting Fingal, Dublin City, Mervue, Salthill Devon and St James' Gate enjoyed. Yet Gormley is convinced the south Dublin club can sustain a presence in the league for years.

"I can understand why people would harbour doubts," said the former Bray Wanderers boss, who is returning to league management after a four-year-absence.

"Yet those who are sceptical do not know the quality of the club's board. I do. These are intelligent business people who will do things the right way. Their intention is not to spend a fortune, chase a cup or a league, and then go away."

Irish Independent