FIRST CUT WOULD BE DEEPEST

Rovers boss hopes there is no budget slashing despite his side's flop in Europe

- PAUL O'HEHIR

STEPHEN BRADLEY feels it would be a mistake for Shamrock Rovers to slash budgets on the back of their European woe.

The Hoops are about to crash out as they trail Hungarian champions Ferencvaros 4-0 going into tonight's Europa Conference League second leg.

Hopes of repeating last year's group stage run were dashed after a meek Champions League surrender to Breidablik.

Rovers banked around €4million in European prize money last season but, barring a miracle, will only pocket €810,000 this summer.

That's still the financial equivalent of winning six League of Ireland titles but Bradley is unsure if it will impact his 2024 warchest.

And he has warned the Hoops board that yo-yo budgets serve no purpose.

"That's down to the club and the board but I'd hope not, he said when quizzed on potential cuts. "I don't think we should ever plan on making group stage football as there's a reason it's only been done a few times in the past.

"It's not easy and being successful is hard. The days of clubs in Ireland banking on group stage football, it would be really, really silly.