McLaughlin gutted with Europa League rejection

The European football governing body has taken the decision because the club went into liquidation just over two years ago, which led them to a European ban for three years and this is the final year of the suspension.

The news will comes as a massive blow to the club, with chairman Philip O’Doherty admitting the Candy Stripes does have the option of launching an appeal to the European Court of Arbitration but that this “hugely expensive option is unlikely”.

For winger Stephen McLaughlin, who’s goal at St Patrick’s Athletic last season effectively booked City’s place in the Europa League, was bitterly disappointed with the decision.

“I’m gutted that we will not be in Europe next season, we were all looking forward to it,” explained the ex-Finn Harps man.

“It would have been my first time playing in Europe as well and I was really looking forward to it, but I think it will make all the squad even more determined to try and do well this season and ensure that we are back in Europe after next season.”