Irish League's PFA to be reformed

Portadown's Brian Strain is a former PFA chairman

Irish League players are planning to reform the Professional Footballers' Association.

The players' union has not existed in the province for the last six years but moves to revive the association have emerged as part of the current process to improve the local game.

The players presented their case at a weekend think-tank in Newcastle, Co Down, where many interested parties put forward their views on the current state of Irish League football.

Government minister Michael McGimpsey held the conference as part of his plan to produce a strategy for the sport.

Johnny Jameson wants to see the PFA return

Former Glentoran and Linfield winger Johnny Jameson is a member of McGimpsey's advisory panel and he is enthusiastic about reforming the PFA in Northern Ireland.

"The reaction has just been fantastic since we put forward the idea of the PFA coming together again," said Jameson.

"It is something we have now got to do."

The new PFA will focus on player welfare at all levels and establishing better relations with the governing bodies.

The association would also seek to encourage youth membership and help players become coaches after they hang up their boots.

Portadown skipper Brian Strain, a former chairman of the old PFA, said: "I think senior players have got to put something back into the game.

"And if we can use the PFA as a way of doing this, then great."