Potential Dundalk Manager

[osarusan]

I suspect what Perth (no doubt talented) mostly brings is a sense of continuity. with everything moving in the right direction for Dundalk it may well be they want to continue with as little fuss (given the manger is going) as possible. A new (outside the club) manager, however good, may want to bring his own ideas and/or style and that could disrupt what Dundalk currently have.

Yeah, that's obviously what's in his favour, knowing what works and how it works, and (hopefully for Dundalk) being able to keep it working.

[Ezeikial]

I wouldn't necessarily agree with that Tony.Even if Kenny was free to talk to the FAI is it really that difficult for one of Delaney's Donkeys to pick up the phone and make a courtesy call to Dundalk ? Dundalk are, after all, the reigning Champions and surely deserve a bit more consideration than that.

TonyD is right in that there is little the club could do if a release clause was built into the contract.

You are also right on the separate point that there are recognised protocols about having discussions with a manager who is under contract to another club.

The absolute minimum would be what you suggest above, although it is generally understood that the permission of the club should be sought before attempting to hold discussions with someone under contract.

Especially so, as the club would not be able to block the move even if they wished to do so.

[Nesta99]

The most straight forward option is Vinny Perth as 1st team coach and Mick Neville with his pro licence sitting in as director of football. If somebody new does come in hopefully it will be with the continuity of the backroom team and a manager that will be patient with getting to know the squad before they start imposing their own ideas. It was always going to be an interesting close season being the first under the new owners but this could really indicate what type of ownership they pursue. Whether they let things evolve internally or will they look to use contacts to bring someone in. It could actually be more an indication of Mal Brannigan than the owners as they will likely take his lead. Player recruitment will be disrupted by uncertainty 2 seasons in a row now. No matter how things are managed potential signings would have been quicker to sign for Kenny than for a rookie like Perth or an as yet unknown manager. Targets have been identified already though, at least one went to Rovers, Murray has left and we are yet to hear on what Benson will do. It was probably hoped that Sadlier could still be convinced even with signs not being too positive there. It is more important to sign O'Donnell back now to help steady the ship. We have yet to see Chevdukas who will be like a new signing. It's odd to have probably the most stable close season and for things to still be so disrupted.

[TonyD]

I wouldn't necessarily agree with that Tony.Even if Kenny was free to talk to the FAI is it really that difficult for one of Delaney's Donkeys to pick up the phone and make a courtesy call to Dundalk ? Dundalk are, after all, the reigning Champions and surely deserve a bit more consideration than that.

Not disagreeing with that. It would have been the courteous thing to do, no doubt. I was talking specifically about compensation, and if there was a release clause in Kennys contract then they hadn't a hope of getting any money from the FAI.

On Kennys successor, it's a strange one. In most cases a new manager is taking over because the previous one wasn't working out, and a clear out of players is often involved too. The most important thing for Dundalk I'd say is continuity. What they have is working, they have the best squad in the league, so the new manager, whoever it is, just needs to keep it going. If someone with loads of new ideas comes in it could all go pear shaped (well, the rest of us can hope anyway ��

[sullanefc]

I wouldn't necessarily agree with that Tony.Even if Kenny was free to talk to the FAI is it really that difficult for one of Delaney's Donkeys to pick up the phone and make a courtesy call to Dundalk ? Dundalk are, after all, the reigning Champions and surely deserve a bit more consideration than that.

I fail to see what difference being reigning Champions makes? If it's the right thing to do, then it shouldn't matter if the team are Champions or bottom of the league,

[micls]

Not disagreeing with that. It would have been the courteous thing to do, no doubt. I was talking specifically about compensation, and if there was a release clause in Kennys contract then they hadn't a hope of getting any money from the FAI.

On Kennys successor, it's a strange one. In most cases a new manager is taking over because the previous one wasn't working out, and a clear out of players is often involved too. The most important thing for Dundalk I'd say is continuity. What they have is working, they have the best squad in the league, so the new manager, whoever it is, just needs to keep it going. If someone with loads of new ideas comes in it could all go pear shaped (well, the rest of us can hope anyway ��

Is it working though? That may seem a stupid question to ask about double winners, but bear with me.

It comes down to what Peak 6 view as success. For Dundalk fans and the town, it's clearly working, has been for years, and similar continued success would be fantastic. Vinny Perth offers that continuity and the likelihood of continued domestic success at minimum for short term.

But, from a Peak 6 perspective, they clearly outlined their vision for the club being champions league group stages. Presumably they'd see reaching EL group stages again as progess towards this. But Europe is their main goal. I assume that's the hat they'll have on making this decision.

I think it's fair to say Europe was a disappointment for Dundalk this year. They were unlucky in the draw in some ways being seeded, but they underperformed too. Last season wasn't great either, but obviously the previous year was the footballing jackpot for an Irish club. And that's where they want to be back to. They're seeding this year in the CL puts them in a fantastic position to get there.

Can Vinny Perth get them to the level in Europe they are aiming for? It's an enormous ask and it will show huge faith in his ability to do that if they give him the job.

[Nesta99]

I think Vinny Perth can do it in Europe as well as domestically. A lot of the hard work in rebuilding a side that can progress (with some luck in the draw) has been done. Rosenborg was a close run game in which Kilduff hitting the bar still haunts as it would have put us through in extra time. The late 1st half goal in the first leg was criminal but Gannon was concussed/injured just prior to the equaiser in Trondheim. Losing some key players like Finn hurt us in Larnaca along with Gannon and O'Donnell being out injured. The value of O'Donnell in Europe should never be underestimated. Then you had connolly :doh:in front of a makeshift rightback This season injuries and age have probably caught up on O'Donnell but the wider squad is settled and a couple of positions being strengthened eg right wing and cover at right full and Chevdukas could be in the O'Donnelll like role if we ever get to see him play. Mountney was injured and Connolly just isnt up to it especially defensively eg in Cyprus. A lot of lads it was their first European experience. Soooo in terms of having a squad that can progress we are not far off (again depending on some luck with the draw), and Perth has been been from Split to St Petersburg and will have taken plenty from the experience gained working with Kenny. They were a team themselves that conferred on tactics. Is it a gamble? For sure it is but I think its the lesser of the disruptive options unless there is some oustanding candidate to come in as manager. Keeping Perth must be part of any managerial appointment to keep the comraderie among the players, that has been a big part of recent sucess.

[Ezeikial]

The biggest risk of all would be to significantly change a formula that has been working - in that context Vinny Perth in particular is pivotal and needs to be a central and influential part of the management team. Whether that is in the driving seat or alongside someone else remains to be seen; the wisdom of taking in someone else would really depend on the attitude and role of that person.

While the squad is settled and on form, further significant strengthening in a couple of key positions is required to have a realistic chance of taking advantage of the European coefficient and any good luck that might come our way in the draw. It is highly probable that a significant wedge will be made available to whoever is appointed

[micls]

Yeah, I think it's very fair to say change is hugely risky, it could cost you the immediate domestic success (though you'd expect the right outside appointment to still achieve that) and not pay dividends in Europe.

Obviously Perth was there for the Euro success but I don't think it's quite the same as being the No. 1 during the time. I'd imagine most players would comment on the impact Kenny had on that success.

Certainly there should be enough players with the experience, with a reasonably favourable draw, but there's also key players that don't have it, Hoban probably being the stand out one in a key position.

I'm not sure what I'd prefer myself in ye're shoes. Safe hands or the risk on a big signing to look to take the next step. Tough call.

[Ezeikial]

Certainly there should be enough players with the experience, with a reasonably favourable draw, but there's also key players that don't have it, Hoban probably being the stand out one in a key position.
.

Just to clarify. Are you saying that Hoban is lacking in experience or doesn't ' have it'. If its the latter, does that mean goalscoring?

[micls]

Doesn't have the Euro experience the other key players have, from the EL run.

It's a different ball game scoring at that level in crunch Euro games, whatever about ability but even the self confidence for it. Traditionally LOI strikers, even top top strikers, wouldn't be big scorers in Europe relatively (for example our top Euro scorer is Dan Murray)!

[El-Pietro]

Doesn't have the Euro experience the other key players have, from the EL run.

It's a different ball game scoring at that level in crunch Euro games, whatever about ability but even the self confidence for it. Traditionally LOI strikers, even top top strikers, wouldn't be big scorers in Europe relatively (for example our top Euro scorer is Dan Murray)!
Seani surpassed Dan with his hattrick against Levadia.

[marinobohs]

I fail to see what difference being reigning Champions makes? If it's the right thing to do, then it shouldn't matter if the team are Champions or bottom of the league,

Totally agree but it is pretty indicative of the contempt that the FAI have, for even its premier club.
Nothing that Dundalk could do to block it apparently but the least ANY club should expect is the courtesy of a “heads up” call.
The really is a complete disconnect between the League and the FAI.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Do we actually know for sure the FAI didn't contact Dundalk first?

[Yossarian]

Do we actually know for sure the FAI didn't contact Dundalk first?

The first Dundalk heard about Kenny taking the u21 job was a call in Saturday when the deal had been done.

[Nesta99]

Doesn't have the Euro experience the other key players have, from the EL run.

It's a different ball game scoring at that level in crunch Euro games, whatever about ability but even the self confidence for it. Traditionally LOI strikers, even top top strikers, wouldn't be big scorers in Europe relatively (for example our top Euro scorer is Dan Murray)!

There were similar question marks over McMillan and him needing a number of chances to score, he wasnt as clinical as would be considered necessary for Europe where chances are limited. There was a general consensus, especially from Pats fans that he wasnt up to it. 2016 he certainly showed a cutting edge with the brace against BATE and how he was missed not starting v Alkmaar in Tallaght for example. Kilduff scored a couple of important goals but missed a sitter in Netanya that could have been crucial for getting to the last 32 if other results were going our way and I think he should have done better with the chance that hit the bar at Rosenborg. McMillan improved his goal to chance ratio and was arguably starting at a lower base level than Hoban will 2019. Hoban has also played in Europe in 2015 scoring away to Hadjuk. I think he is good enough especially if he is on a goal scoring streak but if his goalscoring form is patchy what he offers in terms of his hold-up and relieving pressure on defence or bringing midfield in to play is essential. If we are relying on Kelly who has had limited game time, but has some Euro experience, then its very much an unknown quantity.

It is highly unlikely that Dundalk FC were appraoched by the FAI before Kenny simply on the basis that Kenny was turning down the u21 job and Dundalk seemed to be in the dark. It is possible that the CEO knew about the approach and didnt inform the board or owners but that would be highly irregular and unlikely. There is also the whole Giles being asked for advice though Kenny says he knows nothing about that. Going on form I doubt the FAI would have bothered going through the proper procedure for any approach especially when Delaney was scrambling to quell the growing questions on his position and performance. Imo Delaney tailored things for SK to either not want to say no or not able to say no if he wanted the Ireland job at any point in the future. One thing Delaney has down to a fine art its self preservation and compensation to Dundalk or SK knocking back a job offer wasnt going to stop his masterplan to deflect attention away from dissatisfaction in him in the media. If he put as much effort in to doing thing properly rather than hiding incompetance and cronyism we would have a football association that would outperform both the Croats and Belgians!!

[RathfarnhamHoop]

The first Dundalk heard about Kenny taking the u21 job was a call in Saturday when the deal had been done.

That's what everyones saying alright but do we know it's true?

[Yossarian]

That's what everyones saying alright but do we know it's true?

Well in fairness the club aren’t exactly going to come out and say these things. At the minute they’re trying to find a way to give Vinny Perth the job so unfortunately they have to keep the FAI onside so complaining about the process that took Kenny from Dundalk won’t help.

Like a lot of things in this league, the actual story never comes out officially, but if everyone, including well briefed journalists, is saying this then maybe you just have to accept it.

[marinobohs]

Well in fairness the club aren’t exactly going to come out and say these things. At the minute they’re trying to find a way to give Vinny Perth the job so unfortunately they have to keep the FAI onside so complaining about the process that took Kenny from Dundalk won’t help.

Like a lot of things in this league, the actual story never comes out officially, but if everyone, including well briefed journalists, is saying this then maybe you just have to accept it.

all the rumours /sources appear to indicate that there was no prior contact with Dundalk and my comments were predicated on that basis. if anyone knows to the contrary feel free to contribute.

[SkStu]

Well in fairness the club aren’t exactly going to come out and say these things. At the minute they’re trying to find a way to give Vinny Perth the job so unfortunately they have to keep the FAI onside so complaining about the process that took Kenny from Dundalk won’t help.

Like a lot of things in this league, the actual story never comes out officially, but if everyone, including well briefed journalists, is saying this then maybe you just have to accept it.

what's the general consensus on Perth? Happy enough with that or a bit underwhelmed?

[Ezeikial]

Doesn't have the Euro experience the other key players have, from the EL run.

It's a different ball game scoring at that level in crunch Euro games, whatever about ability but even the self confidence for it. Traditionally LOI strikers, even top top strikers, wouldn't be big scorers in Europe relatively (for example our top Euro scorer is Dan Murray)!

It seems perverse that you have identified Patrick Hoban, the leagues highest scorer in over 40 years, as being an obvious weak link or lacking in experience.

Hopefully he will further improve - domestically and in Europe - with the benefit of a little more experience

[CorribsideSteve]

He looked a bit out of his depth in that debacle out in Larnaca, but the entire team did, to be honest. I'd imagine that defeat kept Kenny awake at night for a while after. I would like to think the staff made a plan for how to improve going forward, an in doing so Hoban will have learned some tips and hints. I agree with Ezekial though in that I sincerely hope he takes his LOI goalscoring ability to the next level.

[oriel]

Vinny Perth can’t go in as ‘the manager’ as he doesn’t have his pro licence, but I think they are looking at some sort of dispensation to have him involved and with someone who has the badge. The problem is the rule changed this year as you need to have the badges as opposed to ‘be doing them’, so depending on who they chose he could end up as the defacto manager with another guy as his ‘assistant’ or to continue as the assistant, either way I don’t think he will be leaving, and personally I think its important that he stays on. He has been assistant from the start of 2013, that’s a decent stint, plus he seems to have that right link with the players, and their respect.

I think the club needs minimum disruption and a smooth process post SK, so Perth would fill that, but at the same time I do think he needs someone solid in there with him too, that would appear to be what the club are looking for this week, who that is, I have no idea, word is they want to have the appointments in place for the mgt team by this weekend.

So it looks like Perth will stay on, but at what role, its not too clear yet.

[Martinho II]

Vinny Perth can’t go in as ‘the manager’ as he doesn’t have his pro licence, but I think they are looking at some sort of dispensation to have him involved and with someone who has the badge. The problem is the rule changed this year as you need to have the badges as opposed to ‘be doing them’, so depending on who they chose he could end up as the defacto manager with another guy as his ‘assistant’ or to continue as the assistant, either way I don’t think he will be leaving, and personally I think its important that he stays on. He has been assistant from the start of 2013, that’s a decent stint, plus he seems to have that right link with the players, and their respect.

I think the club needs minimum disruption and a smooth process post SK, so Perth would fill that, but at the same time I do think he needs someone solid in there with him too, that would appear to be what the club are looking for this week, who that is, I have no idea, word is they want to have the appointments in place for the mgt team by this weekend.

So it looks like Perth will stay on, but at what role, its not too clear yet.

dont forget also that perth also has managerial experience from his time with malahide and he was caretaker manager for us ten years ago when aaron callaghan resigned and performed well for the remaining few months of that season but rather disappointedly for us Alan Gough got the job ahead of him at start of 09 season. but its the badges thats the problem!

[micls]

It seems perverse that you have identified Patrick Hoban, the leagues highest scorer in over 40 years, as being an obvious weak link or lacking in experience.

Hopefully he will further improve - domestically and in Europe - with the benefit of a little more experience

Thats a bizarre interpretation of my post. I didn't at all say he would be a weak link.

I was highlighting his lack of experience in relation to the discussion around the players euro experience filling any potential gap in a managers experience at that level.

The striker position is a significantly more difficult one IN Europe than most others.

I have no doubt Hoban will continue to perform incredibly domestically. He's proven his quality. Whether he can replicate it, and his style suits as well, in Europe is still to be seen. And that sort of unknown makes progress in Europe harder to guess at, especially without Kenny.

[Real ale Madrid]

It seems perverse that you have identified Patrick Hoban, the leagues highest scorer in over 40 years, as being an obvious weak link or lacking in experience.

Hopefully he will further improve - domestically and in Europe - with the benefit of a little more experience

Hoban is overrated imo. Have said it a few times over the season. In the key games this season (Top 4 in league, and Europe) 18 games ( 6 v City, 4 v Shams, 4 v Waterford, 4 Eur) - just 4 goals - one a gift from yer buddy Mark McNulty is all he could manage. I'd go so far as to say if ye want to progress in Europe as ye could ( and bearing in mind Dundalk could be seeded all the way to the Europa League Group stages ) then ye need a better striker than Hoban.

[Ezeikial]

Thats a bizarre interpretation of my post. I didn't at all say he would be a weak link.

I was highlighting his lack of experience in relation to the discussion around the players euro experience filling any potential gap in a managers experience at that level.

The striker position is a significantly more difficult one IN Europe than most others.

I have no doubt Hoban will continue to perform incredibly domestically. He's proven his quality. Whether he can replicate it, and his style suits as well, in Europe is still to be seen. And that sort of unknown makes progress in Europe harder to guess at, especially without Kenny.


I am far from sure that there is much point in engaging in this with you, as I suspect that you may be trying to wind up another long-running saga of a nonsensical tangle again.

It is clear to both of us that you were highlighting your view that there are key players at Dundalk lacking European experience. If you are highlighting Hoban as being the "stand out one" in this respect, surely it is reasonable to interpret this as suggesting that this is a weakness, ergo Hoban being a weak link in the context of European experience

Naturally some will have doubts about Patrick Hoban's ability to replicate his goal-scoring prowess in Europe (much as many doubted his abilities 12 months ago), and clearly it is more difficult to score in Europe, but there is no other centre forward in Ireland that I would rather have in the number 9 shirt for Dundalk next season.

He is a remarkably driven player and has improved significantly since he last played with Dundalk in 2014 - and at 27 he is probably approaching his peak. I expect he will comfortably top the national goal scoring charts again next season and is a key player in the context of possible Euro progression



Doesn't have the Euro experience the other key players have, from the EL run.

It's a different ball game scoring at that level in crunch Euro games, whatever about ability but even the self confidence for it. Traditionally LOI strikers, even top top strikers, wouldn't be big scorers in Europe relatively (for example our top Euro scorer is Dan Murray)!




Certainly there should be enough players with the experience, with a reasonably favourable draw, but there's also key players that don't have it, Hoban probably being the stand out one in a key position.

[oriel]

Hoban is overrated imo. Have said it a few times over the season. In the key games this season (Top 4 in league, and Europe) 18 games ( 6 v City, 4 v Shams, 4 v Waterford, 4 Eur) - just 4 goals - one a gift from yer buddy Mark McNulty is all he could manage. I'd go so far as to say if ye want to progress in Europe as ye could ( and bearing in mind Dundalk could be seeded all the way to the Europa League Group stages ) then ye need a better striker than Hoban.

Amazing post. Even to go into the detail of researching goals v teams that finished 2nd to 4th. Therefore just because he scored only one v Cork, I meant ‘City’, how would you rate him compared to previous strikers who scored less but who won leagues previously in the two division era ?

Overrated with close on 30 goals in a PD season, that’s a good one.

[Charlie Darwin]

I've no skin in the Hoban debate but I'd rate him not dissimilar to Twigg for us. A top class LOI striker but short of the package when you step up a level to European football. McMillan, while maybe less talented that Hoban, showed his ability to step up. Maybe Hoban still has it in him, so we'll see next year (and I recognise Hoban did score goals in Split a few years back).

[micls]

I am far from sure that there is much point in engaging in this with you, as I suspect that you may be trying to wind up another long-running saga of a nonsensical tangle again.

It is clear to both of us that you were highlighting your view that there are key players at Dundalk lacking European experience. If you are highlighting Hoban as being the "stand out one" in this respect, surely it is reasonable to interpret this as suggesting that this is a weakness, ergo Hoban being a weak link in the context of European experience

Naturally some will have doubts about Patrick Hoban's ability to replicate his goal-scoring prowess in Europe (much as many doubted his abilities 12 months ago), and clearly it is more difficult to score in Europe, but there is no other centre forward in Ireland that I would rather have in the number 9 shirt for Dundalk next season.

He is a remarkably driven player and has improved significantly since he last played with Dundalk in 2014 - and at 27 he is probably approaching his peak. I expect he will comfortably top the national goal scoring charts again next season and is a key player in the context of possible Euro progression

You really make every conversation difficult with the nitpicking at every word.

The point was that a new manager is a risky time, and the continuity argument for Perth could be influenced by Europe.

Others said that the players experience in Europe should stand up and possibly bridge the Kenny gap there.

My point was not all your key players, including Hoban who will be vital, have that experience. He may be very successful, but we didn't see enough of that in Europe to make that assumption. So it's risky.

I don't have any interest in getting into your debate about what was meant by experience or if that means I think he's a weak link or not. It's nonsense. The point was he's an unknown at the level we're talking about, Group stage qualification, in a key position to

[marinobohs]

Amazing post. Even to go into the detail of researching goals v teams that finished 2nd to 4th. Therefore just because he scored only one v Cork, I meant ‘City’, how would you rate him compared to previous strikers who scored less but who won leagues previously in the two division era ?

Overrated with close on 30 goals in a PD season, that’s a good one.

I would rate Hoban highly at LOI level but lets be fair he is no hat stand ;)

[Real ale Madrid]

Amazing post. Even to go into the detail of researching goals v teams that finished 2nd to 4th. Therefore just because he scored only one v Cork, I meant ‘City’, how would you rate him compared to previous strikers who scored less but who won leagues previously in the two division era ?

Overrated with close on 30 goals in a PD season, that’s a good one.

Quoting an opinion and backing it up with considered stats surely doesn't constitute an 'amazing post' - grand if you don't agree.

Hoban is a fine player but his failure in England and his strike rate against better quality opposition surely suggests he has a 'level' goal-scoring wise anyway. That's not to say he won't improve his strike rate - fair enough in terms of sample size 18 games isn't much. I just don't get the hoopla surrounding him. Dundalk are hammering teams they dwarf in terms of budget - Hoban is among the goals in these games as you would expect but he's not exactly banging them in, in the games that really matter.

[marinobohs]

Quoting an opinion and backing it up with considered stats surely doesn't constitute an 'amazing post' - grand if you don't agree.

Hoban is a fine player but his failure in England and his strike rate against better quality opposition surely suggests he has a 'level' goal-scoring wise anyway. That's not to say he won't improve his strike rate - fair enough in terms of sample size 18 games isn't much. I just don't get the hoopla surrounding him. Dundalk are hammering teams they dwarf in terms of budget - Hoban is among the goals in these games as you would expect but he's not exactly banging them in, in the games that really matter.

but don't you know Dundalk have to be the best, every player, their jersey (best black/ white, white/black), hell, even Harpic is apparently the best lager :rolleyes:

[sbgawa]

Quoting an opinion and backing it up with considered stats surely doesn't constitute an 'amazing post' - grand if you don't agree.

Hoban is a fine player but his failure in England and his strike rate against better quality opposition surely suggests he has a 'level' goal-scoring wise anyway. That's not to say he won't improve his strike rate - fair enough in terms of sample size 18 games isn't much. I just don't get the hoopla surrounding him. Dundalk are hammering teams they dwarf in terms of budget - Hoban is among the goals in these games as you would expect but he's not exactly banging them in, in the games that really matter.


I agree re Hoban he is a good LOI striker in a team that creates a lot of chances but its a bit like playing for Celtic in Scotland any striker is going to score a lot of goals.
At the risk of upsetting Cork and Dundalk folk in the same post , i think that is the difference between Maguire and Hoban, Maguire scored a lot of goals for Cork who would not have been as good a team as Dundalk were (without him ,i mean) hence his success in England where Hoban struggled.

Just so i can complete the set and upset everyone how about Bohs for relegation next year :)

[Nesta99]

Quoting an opinion and backing it up with considered stats surely doesn't constitute an 'amazing post' - grand if you don't agree.

Hoban is a fine player but his failure in England and his strike rate against better quality opposition surely suggests he has a 'level' goal-scoring wise anyway. That's not to say he won't improve his strike rate - fair enough in terms of sample size 18 games isn't much. I just don't get the hoopla surrounding him. Dundalk are hammering teams they dwarf in terms of budget - Hoban is among the goals in these games as you would expect but he's not exactly banging them in, in the games that really matter.

He was considered for MOTM in that last game in Turners Cross. Shields got it for scoring, but comments from Cork fans were things like 'Hoban is a beast', 'If we had Hoban we would be romping the league'. There is a lot more to his game than goals, he probably created space to allow another 20 goals. I can see why people question his ability to step up but he has done already since being in England and will do again. To define his ability on the impact in England is skewing things as he was scourged with injury. If he was playing against stronger defences week in week out he would adapt and still break 20 goals and 10 assists imo.

[Real ale Madrid]

He was considered for MOTM in that last game in Turners Cross. Shields got it for scoring, but comments from Cork fans were things like 'Hoban is a beast', 'If we had Hoban we would be romping the league'. There is a lot more to his game than goals, he probably created space to allow another 20 goals. I can see why people question his ability to step up but he has done already since being in England and will do again. To define his ability on the impact in England is skewing things as he was scourged with injury. If he was playing against stronger defences week in week out he would adapt and still break 20 goals and 10 assists imo.

Ah here - Shields gave some exhibition that night to be fair to him. One of the outstanding individual performances of the season Imo. The man was everywhere - his goal wasn't the reason he got MOTM that night - they don't do that for every game!

To be honest I don't see too much difference between Hoban and Cummins - Cummins got 15 goals and 11 assists in the league this year playing in a team without the type of creativity that Dundalk had ( says he putting it mildly ). Cummins' form dropped away badly in the second half of the season. I think that was possibly down to signing for us in March and Basically he was going since Pre-season in Scotland (June 17) . Both are similar type of players. I'm on my own there I realize but I think we will see a different Cummins next season.

[mcgonigle]

Ah here - Shields gave some exhibition that night to be fair to him. One of the outstanding individual performances of the season Imo. The man was everywhere - his goal wasn't the reason he got MOTM that night - they don't do that for every game!

To be honest I don't see too much difference between Hoban and Cummins - Cummins got 15 goals and 11 assists in the league this year playing in a team without the type of creativity that Dundalk had ( says he putting it mildly ). Cummins' form dropped away badly in the second half of the season. I think that was possibly down to signing for us in March and Basically he was going since Pre-season in Scotland (June 17) . Both are similar type of players. I'm on my own there I realize but I think we will see a different Cummins next season.

Don't bite lads

[Ezeikial]

To be honest I don't see too much difference between Hoban and Cummins .

Brilliant.

Even if not a particularly subtle wind up.

[oriel]

Honestly not a dig, I was very surprised to read further above that Cummins got 15 last season, were these goals in total or actually all in the league ?

I’m surprised he got that many, and also that Cork wouldn’t have gone for Ronan Murray either to be honest when he became available.

[micls]

14 in the league. 3rd top scorer, just pipped by Sadlier. If he was the penalty taker rather than Sadlier, he could have hit 19/20.

He had a great first half of the season and was scoring regularly, every game or 2.

His form dropped off second half of the season, along with the rest of the team, and he struggled to score.

If the halves of the season were swapped, and he'd finished as he started, people would be talking very differently about him this off season.

He's certainly not the complete player, but it was a good return.

[bennocelt]

Hoban is overrated imo. Have said it a few times over the season. In the key games this season (Top 4 in league, and Europe) 18 games ( 6 v City, 4 v Shams, 4 v Waterford, 4 Eur) - just 4 goals - one a gift from yer buddy Mark McNulty is all he could manage. I'd go so far as to say if ye want to progress in Europe as ye could ( and bearing in mind Dundalk could be seeded all the way to the Europa League Group stages ) then ye need a better striker than Hoban.

I agree with this. When Dundalk played in Europe he was pretty much pants.

[Ezeikial]

I agree with this. When Dundalk played in Europe he was pretty much pants.

He is certainly not over rated by you.

You were one of the cheerleaders here last year that said Hoban was finished.

After 29 league goals you're still critical. Have you even seen all his European performances?

[dundalkfc10]

He is certainly not over rated by you.

You were one of the cheerleaders here last year that said Hoban was finished.

After 29 league goals you're still critical. Have you even seen all his European performances?

Of course he hasnt

[Mr A]

So have Dundalk invited applicants or are they head hunting or is there any word of the process in place?

[bennocelt]

He is certainly not over rated by you.

You were one of the cheerleaders here last year that said Hoban was finished.

After 29 league goals you're still critical. Have you even seen all his European performances?

Eh not quite, as far as i can remember, I was wondering if he was able to shake off his niggly injury and for that reason I thought Cummins would be top scorer. I didn't doubt his ability in the league, just if he could come back from his injury, I was wrong, he had a great domestic season

Have seen a few of his games this year in Europe, yeah. I thought he didnt stand out too much. What did i miss, please enlighten me?

As always lets wait n see, will have another good domestic season, but i wont be banking on him to score much in the CL. But i would be happy to be wrong as i do really want to see Dundalk do well in europe. :D

[dundalkfc10]

So have Dundalk invited applicants or are they head hunting or is there any word of the process in place?

Its just a matter of sorting or getting someone on board who has the badges, Vinny Perth will be the manager with Higgins and Stevie O D (player/coach) part of the staff

[Shearer]

Its just a matter of sorting or getting someone on board who has the badges, Vinny Perth will be the manager with Higgins and Stevie O D (player/coach) part of the staff
Will Perth actually have the official title of manager?

[Calcio Jack]

Its just a matter of sorting or getting someone on board who has the badges, Vinny Perth will be the manager with Higgins and Stevie O D (player/coach) part of the staff

Going down the unproven rookie gambling route..... who’d of thought

[marinobohs]

Going down the unproven rookie gambling route..... who’d of thought

they should have thrown the kitchen sink at Bradser ;)

[oriel]

So have Dundalk invited applicants or are they head hunting or is there any word of the process in place?

It would appear P6 are taking their time with this, no point rushing when they know they'll prob still be able to offer decent contracts to new incoming players, plus its only Benson now from the entire first team squad that has not signed up for next season, granted a few have left like Murray, Poynton and Sava.