Kee linked with City job

Although Kee would not confirm or deny that he held talks with the Brandywell board this week, he did admit that it would be a massive job.

“Derry City is a big job and a big challenge and I’m flattered to be linked to the job,” declared Kee.

“They have the fourth biggest budget in Ireland North and South, but because of that there is also big pressure with the job, but at the same time I’m currently employed by Institute and they need me to help them out in terms of their financial situation.”

But he said his priorities rested with the Riverside Stadium club.

“I have a job at the IFA (Irish Football Association) and a job at Institute and they take up a lot of my time. To be honest the financial situation at the club is first and foremost at the front of my mind,” he insisted.

Nevertheless the Waterside man, who continues to produce young players and had a hand in the development of trio Darron Gibson, Shane Ferguson and Eunan O’Kane, is thought to be on the Candy Stripes’ shortlist along with ex-’Stute gaffer Paul Hegarty, former Derry assistant manager Declan Devine, Sean Connor and Willie McStay.

McStay, the current Stockport County assistant manager and ex-Sligo Rovers boss, is believed to be the front runner to take over from Stephen Kenny.

However if Kee was offered the job - and accepted it - then he would likely continue to give youth a chance, something which the Brandywell hierarchy wants to remain in place after the likes of James McClean, Stephen McLaughlin, Daniel Lafferty, Ryan McBride, Patrick and Shane McEleney all showed they were more than capable of mixing it with the big boys.

Meanwhile Institute issued a statement yesterday (Tuesday) regarding their dire financial situation, which Sentinel Sport revealed in December.

The statement came off the back of Kee’s comments following last weekend’s defeat to Limavady United. The statement said: “After Monday evening’s board meeting, regretfully the (Institute) board has reluctantly made the decision to reduce their expenditure in line with their income.

“This is due to an increase in rates, rent, utility bills and tax and vat.

“We would like to thank all our loyal supporters and sponsors, and in particular our main sponsor Mr Billy Henderson for their continued support.”

Kee conceded last week that he had explained the situation to all the players at the club and he probably wishes he didn’t do so until after last weekend’s North West derby loss to Limavady United.

“The players have been informed that there will be major cutbacks imposed on the budget and I certainly felt that news was reflected in our performances against Limavady,” added Kee.

“The financial situation at the club is dire and it’s something we have to face up to and try to work through it.

“I would expect players to be released as a result of the financial situation. There’s simply no money at the club and we just can’t pay out what’s not there. Gate receipts and sponsorship have been badly hit this season and that has forced the Committee to take this drastic action.

“It’s a very unfortunate step, but that’s the reality of the situation and it’s not that we have a big budget or anything like that but the club must attempt to live within its means,” he concluded.

While this Saturday, Institute host Kilroot Rec in the Coca/Cola Intermediate Cup third round (KO 3pm).