Linfield manager David Jeffrey has said it would be "desperately sad" if debt-ridden club Derry City were to collapse due to financial difficulties, although he insisted he had "no sympathy" for their current situation.
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"I think it will be desperately sad if a footballing club like Derry City, with its history, were to go out of business", Jeffrey told UTV in a frank and revealing interview.
"It will be a loss to football so I hope this is not the case."
The Candystripes haven't been able to pay money owed to Dungannon Swifts, following the transfer of Northern Ireland rising star Niall McGinn to Celtic.
Most players haven't been paid for several weeks.
"For the last number of years, I've heard how great the product is down there (the League of Ireland), how they've gone full-time, how the football is so much better," Jeffrey said.
"The reality is that I have no sympathy with respect of the situation they find themselves in, because everyone has got to work to a budget."
The Linfield boss also revealed his bittersweet delight after being named the Carling Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association Manager of the Month for October, his 25th NIFWA award in total.
After losing out on silverware last season, the pressure was beginning to mount for the Blues manager.
"I'm very aware of the expectations. With expectations come demands, and with demands come pressure," Jeffrey said.
"I knew this season was going to be tougher than any other."
A stuttering start to the new season led to a small section of Blues' fans calling for Jeffrey's head but Linfield now sit at the top of the Carling Premiership.
"It's not nice to come off the pitch when you're booed, but I think you also keep it in perspective," he told UTV.
League wins over Lisburn Distillery, Crusaders, Glentoran, and Glenavon were Linfield's obvious highlights in October.
The side also made it into the County Antrim Shield final after beating Cliftonville, and drew with Institute to ensure an unbeaten month.
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