An impressive initiative by the players at Galway United to help the club out of its current financial difficulties was formally launched in the city yesterday when details of what is being described as an "extravaganza" night at Terryland Park were unveiled, writes Emmet Malone.

The centrepiece of the event is a challenge match between the United team and a side comprised of members of Galway's All-Ireland football finalists from last season as well as a selection of other leading athletes from the area including Eric Elwood, Neville Maxwell and Olive Loughnane. Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy will referee the game.

Other guests at the fundraiser, which takes place on March 2nd and is being supported by Eire Communications, Radisson Hotels and Supermacs, will be the Sawdoctors, members of the theatre group Macnas and the 1991 FAI Cup winning Galway side which will be honoured at half-time.

Tickets for the game can be purchased from branches of Eire Communications, Terryland Park or O'Brien's newsagents in Shop Street.

Steve Archibald claims he has taken a major step forward in reopening negotiations with accountants KPMG for control of Airdrie Football Club.

Archibald insists a sum of £880,000 has been pledged to North Lanarkshire Council to environmentally improve a piece of land next to the stadium, known as Craigneuk Park.

The ground on which the New Broomfield Stadium stands is owned by the council, who have indicated they will hand over the title deeds on the condition that the park area is improved for community use.

Archibald was locked out of the ground - and had his management contract terminated - by provisional liquidators KPMG last Wednesday.

Archibald confirmed he has also sought legal advice in a bid to recover the payments he has already made to KPMG. But the liquidators insist this is a move they will oppose.