FAMILY FORTUNES

WHY on earth is Dermot Desmond writing to Shamrock Rovers supporters?

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All he has to do is get on a plane and go to a few matches in Tallaght Stadium.

On one level, this is a massive story because Rovers are a club that like to think of themselves as the biggest, not just in Ireland, but perhaps in the world.

Clearly there is a toxic divide within the place.

But on another level, in-fighting at an Irish institution is hardly box-office news.

I feel sorry for the football management at Rovers because they have clearly done a good job.

But when you are managing Rovers you get the type of support and infatuation that makes the Hoops different.

In Desmond's letter he alleged that some non-executive members of the club, (people who are Rovers fans) are "persistently seeking to have the first team management replaced".

Can fans wanting a manager sacked be considered box office news?

Just ask Carlo Ancelotti that.

The thing is fans who work hard and make a football club central to their lives are people who kick every ball.