Hull City owners to take majority stake in Dundalk?

[Nesta99]

He has walked from Shels so easily as the Dundlk owners made contact again looking for the investment.....

[yurt]

It's crazy stuff. The fact that he came in and it was successful enough that they are a couple days away from finding out they are in Europe a year ahead of schedule.

You would have thought from his perspective it'd be worth waiting till Monday alone to see whether he wants to stick around or not.

Would love to know the exact details of the conversations that would have taken place.

[Another Bohemia]

It's crazy stuff. The fact that he came in and it was successful enough that they are a couple days away from finding out they are in Europe a year ahead of schedule.

You would have thought from his perspective it'd be worth waiting till Monday alone to see whether he wants to stick around or not.

Would love to know the exact details of the conversations that would have taken place.

He being Turkish Simon Cowell? It could be that after the letter writing campaign he thought that being involved in Shels really wasn't worth his time. Whether we like it or not there is a very real ceiling to how highly an LOI club can rise. He likely viewed Shels as a feeder club at best and if your feeder club has fans kicking up a fuss rather than viewing you as a gracious saviour then you might as well get out early and find some third tier club in Spain or some other European country that has a higher ceiling and be more willing participants as a feeder.

[EatYerGreens]

It's crazy stuff. The fact that he came in and it was successful enough that they are a couple days away from finding out they are in Europe a year ahead of schedule.

You would have thought from his perspective it'd be worth waiting till Monday alone to see whether he wants to stick around or not.

Would love to know the exact details of the conversations that would have taken place.

Firstly - he hasn't walked away after putting €3m in. He's walked away after a commitment to put €3m in, and of which only an unspecified sum was paid so far.

This guy won't be a mug. If he's walked away it suggests that he's realised that it;s in his interest to NOT put the rest of the promised €3m in (and most likely the lion's share). Presumably he had a contractual obligation to stump up that cash as part of the purchase, so this episode has got him off the hook for that.

So it seems to be that, for whatever reason, he was no longer all that bothered about putting money into Shels, and that this turned out to be a handy way for him to get off the hook for what was presumably more than €2m in further payments. The equivalent of putting a small deposit down on a house and then finding out that it wasn't what you thought it was, was no longer right for your needs etc and then just walking away and telling them to keep the deposit. Either that or the money paid so far is so small that he really doesn't care, and he doesn't believe the upsides from Shelbourne longer term are worth bothering about either. Either way it's not an 'investment' that he has been all that bothered about fighting to retain.

[total hoofball]

The Hull Daily Mail article below does indicate Ilicali has his attention turned to Greece which may make more sense for geographical reasons and the direction Ilicali and Hull wanted

I don't think anyone will ever know the full ins and outs of the separation it may well be exactly how the media have covered maybe Shels climbed up the table too quickly ahead of expectations and both parties happy go in other directions with their own alternative options, it's hard to have a feeder club who are in the scope of challenging for Europe/may ambitions of a title push in next few years while experimenting with foreign imports on behalf of the parent club, still though that should have all been ironed out when the takeover happened with a full commitment to Duff with a new contract or not

While the direct Hull loanees Wood and Jarvis were positives for us dealing with Sean Boyd's and Matty Smith's injuries the random Portuguese right back we signed who had been last playing in Cyprus didn't look up to much at all, I don't think Duff/Shels wanted 5 or 6 unknown imports like that signed by a DOF upstairs with an expectation they get regular playing time at the expense of the core of our squad this season who performed so well


https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/acun-ilicali-shelbourne-hull-city-8893624

[Nesta99]

Does the CTA and being within the EU create any sort of loophole on issues of player visas or being naturalised from a young age in Ireland from the continent for the British game - they may not be classed as part of the foreign player quota?

[Elfman]

It's a good point Nesta and one I've considered myself. My surface level research indicates that Irish players (unless they joined an English club before they are 19) will count as a foreign player.

But since there's no visa due to the CTA, I guess it's more straightforward for us to move to the UK than for a player from a country that needs to get a work permit.

[EalingGreen]

It's a good point Nesta and one I've considered myself. My surface level research indicates that Irish players (unless they joined an English club before they are 19) will count as a foreign player.

But since there's no visa due to the CTA, I guess it's more straightforward for us to move to the UK than for a player from a country that needs to get a work permit.

From a general work permit pov, then the CTA gives an opening to the UK that other EU nationals don't have (see below).

However, FIFA rules over Under-18's transferring to a foreign country override this, since as a general principle, Under-18's are not permitted to register with an Association in another Nation State. Within this, an exemption has been agreed by FIFA for transfers within EU countries, but since Brexit, EU 16 y.o. and 17 y.o. players can no longer access the UK (obv).

The rules governing this are to be found in FIFA Article 19:
file:///C:/Users/cwegr/Downloads/fifa-article-19.pdf

Note:
2. "The following [exception] to this rule applies:
a) The player’s parents move to the country in which the new club is located for reasons not linked to football."

The "not linked to football" proviso was added after clubs started "finding" jobs for the parents of promising youngsters. Although it was to circumvent FA rather than FIFA Rules, I believe that Jonny and Corry Evans were able to join Man Utd from Greenisland Boys before they were even 16, since their father was moving to England to take up a job which rather conveniently "came up" somewhere in Greater Manchester. (Loophole since closed by The FA)

Where the CTA does confer an advantage is for ROI players who are over 18. That is, anyone from outside the UK, seeking to work in whatever occupation, including football, needs a work permit.

Within that, the four UK Football Associations have agreed a system with the Government to allocate permits to players meeting a (merit-based) points eligibility requirement. For instance, you will get a permit for a 20 y.o. Brazilian playing for Flamingo who has already a dozen full caps. Whereas a 20 y.o. Mongolian international with two dozen caps and registered with whoever the Mongolian champions are, will not qualify (Insufficient points for Mongolian football)

Under the CTA, the UK applies no such points system to ROI over-18's - if they can find a club willing to sign them, they're in.

Which to get us back to the thread title, explains why clubs like Hull or Fleetwood have been interested in linking up with LOI clubs.

See also here: https://www.mills-reeve.com/stand-alone-pages/fa-governing-body-endorsement-requirements/gbe-criteria-for-youth-players

[yurt]

From a general work permit pov, then the CTA gives an opening to the UK that other EU nationals don't have (see below).

However, FIFA rules over Under-18's transferring to a foreign country override this, since as a general principle, Under-18's are not permitted to register with an Association in another Nation State. Within this, an exemption has been agreed by FIFA for transfers within EU countries, but since Brexit, EU 16 y.o. and 17 y.o. players can no longer access the UK (obv).

The rules governing this are to be found in FIFA Article 19:
file:///C:/Users/cwegr/Downloads/fifa-article-19.pdf

Note:
2. "The following [exception] to this rule applies:
a) The player’s parents move to the country in which the new club is located for reasons not linked to football."

The "not linked to football" proviso was added after clubs started "finding" jobs for the parents of promising youngsters. Although it was to circumvent FA rather than FIFA Rules, I believe that Jonny and Corry Evans were able to join Man Utd from Greenisland Boys before they were even 16, since their father was moving to England to take up a job which rather conveniently "came up" somewhere in Greater Manchester. (Loophole since closed by The FA)

Where the CTA does confer an advantage is for ROI players who are over 18. That is, anyone from outside the UK, seeking to work in whatever occupation, including football, needs a work permit.

Within that, the four UK Football Associations have agreed a system with the Government to allocate permits to players meeting a (merit-based) points eligibility requirement. For instance, you will get a permit for a 20 y.o. Brazilian playing for Flamingo who has already a dozen full caps. Whereas a 20 y.o. Mongolian international with two dozen caps and registered with whoever the Mongolian champions are, will not qualify (Insufficient points for Mongolian football)

Under the CTA, the UK applies no such points system to ROI over-18's - if they can find a club willing to sign them, they're in.

Which to get us back to the thread title, explains why clubs like Hull or Fleetwood have been interested in linking up with LOI clubs.

See also here: https://www.mills-reeve.com/stand-alone-pages/fa-governing-body-endorsement-requirements/gbe-criteria-for-youth-players

Unbelievably informative EG. Thought I had a good understanding of the transfer requirements post brexit but you've explained it clear and concise in this post.

The easier route to the UK for Irish players should actually be a benefit for Irish football but the problem is they aren't actually going for any money in the vast majority of cases.

[Elfman]

Nice one, thanks for confirming my suspicions EG!

Agree with you there yurt. We just need to develop infrastructure now to make it more attractive for youngsters to stay a while longer. We'll always lose the best players to England (as everyone does) but hopefully adequate compensation can help us support the next great player coming through and delay them leaving until they're already world class! ;)

[Longfordian]

I see some (another) crowd of chancers want to take over Dundalk. They plan such revolutionary changes as..checks notes..solar panels, a coffee shop that opens all week and talks from ex Premier League footballers.

[joey B]

Going from chatting about category 4 stadiums to opening a coffee shop in about 4 lines of that statement is hilarious,bizarre!

[ger121]

I see some (another) crowd of chancers want to take over Dundalk. They plan such revolutionary changes as..checks notes..solar panels, a coffee shop that opens all week and talks from ex Premier League footballers.

They would have to call it Oriel Perk.

[2 Year Contract]

So Kerry’s owners has left them and is now buying Dundalk. Mother of god we have a brilliantly mad league :D

https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41276785.html

[joey B]

That’s mental,what a league!

[culloty82]

It appears Kerry FC's finances are still solid, with the non-KDL shareholding in the hands of various Boston associates of Ainscough, rather than in the name of the former CEO himself:

1728143206271926525

[culloty82]

Which is about all the assurance available, as Kerry's own statement is little more than flannel:

https://kerryfc.com/kerry-fc-statement-24-11-23/

[Nesta99]

So Kerry’s owners has left them and is now buying Dundalk. Mother of god we have a brilliantly mad league :D

https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41276785.html

Not to steal anyones thunder but this will all end in tears!

[holidaysong]

My main concerns at this very early stage would be:

1. the ease at which he has jumped ship from Kerry after just 1 year
2. the fact that Kerry's statement confirmed the other Boston based backers will be staying invested in Kerry
3. it is reported in one of the articles that he is buying the club by himself, but with a view to also bringing additional investment in. How are we to know that will materialise
4. his actual personal net worth appears to be between €1-5m based on what I have seen. Combine that with point #3 above and that could bring issues

I could be premature with these concerns and maybe once this is all announced officially some of this will be addressed up front.

[culloty82]

His modus operandi seems to be eschewing significant financial investment himself in clubs, but rather leveraging his business connections in order to do so. As such, as you say, I'd be more concerned at how quickly he decided to leave Kerry, rather than whether he'll be able to cobble together a consortium.

[Nesta99]

Likw HS I'll reserve judgement also, mainly due to this for now...

"It’s believed that Ainscough has indicated in his negotiations with Dundalk that he will likely have other backers coming in with him but he has completed this deal himself and will be driving plans forward".
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/dundalk-set-for-full-takeover-by-us-based-investor-brian-ainscough-after-shock-departure-from-kerry-fc/a588957465.html

Complete speculation throughout possibly from media in the absence of any further detail, but if this is the nuts and bolts of the takeover well its a bit Roddy Collins sounding of different times and tbh i might even be less wtf is going on if it were a Rod Squad & Son takeover. Usually at this stage there are the usual soundbites on due diligence etc from outgoing owners, may yet happen of course.

I dont recall ever seeing a 'If LoI had an anthem' thread, right now something like Super massive blackhole (done by Spitting Image with all our leading league characters....) fits the bill on a few levels.

[oriel]

For any fan, and with any club, its only natural to be cautious with a takeover and more so from DFC point of view given so many recently, just did a count back and may have missed some and some years might be out a fraction, but this won't be far out.

Seaons

2024 - Brian Ainscough led
2022-2023 - StatSports 66.6% / Andy Connolly (co-owner of Fastfix) 33.3%
2017 - 2021 - P6
2013- 2017 - FastFix (recruited Kenny)
2003-2013 - Gerry Matthews
2000-2002 - Co-Op
up to 1999 - Local Board / Business / PLC

A point a lot seem to get wrong is P6 timing, the peak (no pun intended) for me with Dundalk was 2015-2017 (before they took over), may seem odd to include 2017 as was the only year from 2014-2019 didn't win league, but was on the back of the 2015 double, continuous cup final appearances and decent to ok euro performances plus the amazing 2016 euro run.

What will 2024 bring, not sure, mid table would be nice, but if things had not changed, it would have been a fairly grim season with not too much expectation other than to stay up.

This takeover offers at least a budget to be competitive, I wouldn't think too much more than that on the first year, where after that, no idea, but again, I would not have been looking forward to 2024 if things had not changed.

[placid casual]

I'm sure this will all end well for dundalk.:)

[Nesta99]

Ye never know, If its half as bad as the last time that was said it'll include 1 league and cup + another 'trophy'. Careful what you wish for!

[oriel]

Ye never know, If its half as bad as the last time that was said it'll include 1 league and cup + another 'trophy'. Careful what you wish for!

I think 2 leagues as P6 would have been onboard for 2018 and 2019 and also the second EL group stage of 2020. The other trophy guessing is the 2019 League Cup, will we hold that forever as last winners?

But the stand out stat is still the frequency of owners, 3rd since 2017.

Seemingly DFC confirming tomorrow am with FAI ratification, that its all completed.

[culloty82]

Kerry's Eye have an article today on last week's events - it appears Ainscough didn't so much as give the Kerry FC board any notice about his decision to switch clubs before the Examiner story broke, and even Billy Dennehy was only informed through a third party!

[2 Year Contract]

Kerry's Eye have an article today on last week's events - it appears Ainscough didn't so much as give the Kerry FC board any notice about his decision to switch clubs before the Examiner story broke, and even Billy Dennehy was only informed through a third party!

Sounds like a classy individual. He’ll fit in well up there at least

[mcgonigle]

Sounds like a classy individual. He’ll fit in well up there at least

Meaning?

[2 Year Contract]

Meaning?
He’ll fit in well with the other classy individuals at the club

[holidaysong]

Takeover complete.

https://www.dundalkfc.com/club-statement-takeover-complete/

[total hoofball]

Takeover complete.

https://www.dundalkfc.com/club-statement-takeover-complete/

If I was Dundalk player being offered a contract renewal this week I would be looking for evidence Ainscough has the funds in place for this takeover

[Nesta99]

I'd love to think that part of the process with the FAI was showing that the finances of a new owner held up to scrutiny.

On his intervew wth Gav, it means little but it was kind of refreshing to have no grandiose promises, quietly spoken man who seems pretty down to earth and pragmatic. If he can keep to his financial obligations, bring in additional money, then maybe just maybe a balance has been found between the investor type and the local business people.

New kit, new sponsor, ticket price freeze, and seemingly new signings already in the works and to be announced soon so not a bad start. Insisting that Hoban is under contract and will remain at the club is at least an interesting stance and it implies that fees will be involved in a move rather than being released from a contract to save on money.

[mcgonigle]

He’ll fit in well with the other classy individuals at the club

Such as?

[joey B]

https://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/kerry-are-five-or-10-years-away-from-being-anywhere-near-dundalk-new-lilywhite-owner-on-shock-decision/a705886381.html

Piece on Ainsclough departing Kerry and taking Dundalk over,I’d be a bit worried about Kerry reading some of that,there’s no way you’d fully trust the investors left behind ….

[brendy_éire]

He does not come across well in that interview at all.
Hopefully Kerry will be ok, but couldn't imagine Dundalk fans are too happy either. Seems happy to do whatever he likes for his own gain, basically admitted as much. Where would he be off to next, when the opportunity arises?

[Nesta99]

The Hoban situation is a bit clearer now, not being offloaded to cut money. So its a managerial decsion from the clubs angle, does the manager want to keep him and the only reason for no imo is if S'OD thinks 2 or 3 players in for Hobans wage is preferable. Maybe Hoban staying with an improved budget with larger squad is possible. Alternatively all this was Hoban or agent agitating for a conract extension, improved terms or off to another club. Money wasnt there to honour, improve or extend a contract but now that potebtial bluff has been called and we will see how committed to Dundalk Hoban really is when there is a valid choice. Maybe im being a bit unfair and Hoban really is Dundalk through and through but I think when it boils down to it most players are loyal to the best paymaster irrespective of what they say to protest against a 'forced' move.

[total hoofball]

As expected Ainscough has admitted like with Kerry he is a frontman relying on being potentially funded by US investors and suggests some of them may be Kerry's financial backers I don't think things can possibly be business as usual for Kerry for next season

I can already hear the rattling of the bucket collections around Oriel Park this summer to pay for Hoban's wages


https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41281726.html

[oriel]

A sound of rattling will be 550k due to DFC in the summer from UEFA from last season, however obv no euro monies due in 2025, but key is to qualify for europe for 2025 season.

Budget will be similar to 2023.

[Nesta99]

I can already hear the rattling of the bucket collections around Oriel Park this summer to pay for Hoban's wages


Nah we've started Oriel Park modernisation already, gone all PDQs for future whip arounds.

[ToberonaTornado]

He does not come across well in that interview at all.
Hopefully Kerry will be ok, but couldn't imagine Dundalk fans are too happy either. Seems happy to do whatever he likes for his own gain, basically admitted as much. Where would he be off to next, when the opportunity arises?

Amazing how we all perceive things differently because I thought he was very confident and assured throughout that interview. I really like him and I'm quite happy with him at the helm.(and I'm someone who can be called a dlk septic sceptic blxx btw ?)
He might only last 3 years but he'll add extra value to the club along the way imo.

[EatYerGreens]

https://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/kerry-are-five-or-10-years-away-from-being-anywhere-near-dundalk-new-lilywhite-owner-on-shock-decision/a705886381.html

Piece on Ainsclough departing Kerry and taking Dundalk over,I’d be a bit worried about Kerry reading some of that,there’s no way you’d fully trust the investors left behind ….

No matter what way you look at it, Ainscough has been a self-cenntred sh!t towards Kerry FC here. Like dumping your new bride a few weeks after the wedding because a more glamorous girl has made eyes at you.

[oriel]

Amazing how we all perceive things differently because I thought he was very confident and assured throughout that interview. I really like him and I'm quite happy with him at the helm.(and I'm someone who can be called a dlk septic sceptic blxx btw ?)
He might only last 3 years but he'll add extra value to the club along the way imo.

I'll reserve judgement until we see some players confirmed, a week or more after the official confirm on takeover, only 2 players announced one is squad player and both only 1 year contract extensions or option to extend triggered. Still no confirm if Hoban is staying or not, that can't be too hard to sort out, 1/ He's under contract 2/ He's leaving if transfer fee can be agreed, still bizarre the whole thing about Hoban, unless its his agent or prev owners.

The new regime need to get a move on with player recruitment as we have already seen 3 leaving, maybe only 1 a confirmed starter (Dan Kelly) but still its more out than in.

[WeAreRovers]

None of my business obviously but a lot of his quotes would concern me if it were -

“The idea is that we could get some portable stands that aren’t expensive to dress up the facility, put some red and black seating rather than grey out there. Those cosmetic things will make the fans feel that we’re doing something.

“We did a bit down in Mounthawk and they thought we were building Wembley. Something like that is not out of the realm for next season but not 2024,”

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/louth/sport/soccer/oriel-park-in-need-of-a-lot-of-love-and-attention-admits-new-dundalk-fc-owner-brian-ainscough/a871036082.html

[Another Bohemia]

None of my business obviously but a lot of his quotes would concern me if it were -

“The idea is that we could get some portable stands that aren’t expensive to dress up the facility, put some red and black seating rather than grey out there. Those cosmetic things will make the fans feel that we’re doing something.

“We did a bit down in Mounthawk and they thought we were building Wembley. Something like that is not out of the realm for next season but not 2024,”

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/louth/sport/soccer/oriel-park-in-need-of-a-lot-of-love-and-attention-admits-new-dundalk-fc-owner-brian-ainscough/a871036082.html

Honestly any improvement on Oriel park should be welcomed. They are in the position where a stand like the Mono in Dalymount would be a drastic improvement for their away supporters. Trying to find a perfect solution shouldn't stand in the way of smaller improvements like that which will improve the match day experience and could increase the capacity of the ground.

[EatYerGreens]

Honestly any improvement on Oriel park should be welcomed. They are in the position where a stand like the Mono in Dalymount would be a drastic improvement for their away supporters. Trying to find a perfect solution shouldn't stand in the way of smaller improvements like that which will improve the match day experience and could increase the capacity of the ground.

I think it's the attitude which is the issue though. 'Look at how little we had to do in Kerry to appease the natives. So let's look to get away with the same up in Dundalk!'.

[Another Bohemia]

I think it's the attitude which is the issue though. 'Look at how little we had to do in Kerry to appease the natives. So let's look to get away with the same up in Dundalk!'.

As long as he's acknowledging that it is putting make up on a pig I'm not sure I'd be too concerned. I think he's more speaking to how low the expectations for facilities are within the league that doing basically the bare minimum can be seen as building Wembley. As with all things though we'll have to wait and see and honestly I wouldn't be surprised if I'm wrong and Oriel stays the exact same as it is now and Dundalk are looking for another owner in ~5 years

[WeAreRovers]

I think it's the attitude which is the issue though. 'Look at how little we had to do in Kerry to appease the natives. So let's look to get away with the same up in Dundalk!'.

Exactly how I read it.

[nigel-harps1954]

Honestly any improvement on Oriel park should be welcomed. They are in the position where a stand like the Mono in Dalymount would be a drastic improvement for their away supporters. Trying to find a perfect solution shouldn't stand in the way of smaller improvements like that which will improve the match day experience and could increase the capacity of the ground.

A couple of those stands wouldn't cost an arm and a leg and would be a significant improvement, but it reads more like a Wexford style pop up stand he's targeting, which would be awful.

[Nesta99]

None of my business obviously but a lot of his quotes would concern me if it were -

“The idea is that we could get some portable stands that aren’t expensive to dress up the facility, put some red and black seating rather than grey out there. Those cosmetic things will make the fans feel that we’re doing something.

“We did a bit down in Mounthawk and they thought we were building Wembley. Something like that is not out of the realm for next season but not 2024,”

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/louth/sport/soccer/oriel-park-in-need-of-a-lot-of-love-and-attention-admits-new-dundalk-fc-owner-brian-ainscough/a871036082.html

Im not sure the full context or tone of those comments come across fairly in that piece. Imo it was a fair question reasonably answered. To paraphrase in an attempt to set a broader tone: A lot needs to be done "We’d love to have a magic wand and do it all in one day but it will take a while.” In the short term there is no reason not to improve whats there eg portable stands, replace existing seating, cosmetic stuff that the fans will appreciate while there are bigger plans put in place. Small things matter to fans eg a small development in Mounthawk and fans felt as good as if we were building Wembley. There is a committee in place already that has started the process of addressing infrastructure issues but there hasnt been time to get stuck in to that yet, there are more pressing issues - 1st team and European qualification, pressing pitch and floodlighting to meet licencing requirements but SPG application is submitted and hopefully will help address those immediate facility issues.
On being asked when would even portable stands happen, the rsponse was an honest it'd likely be 2025 as there just isnt the time for 2024 season start with everything else that has to be done by then. It can be done at not outrageous cost in the short term. Training facilities and pitch capacity for other teams and academy growth were also mentioned as high priority. Martin Connolly spoke on this sort of stuff eg where Liam Burns being drafted in as a 1st team coach took him away from successful community coaching and engagement and that there needs to be a return to this and rebuild the connect between club and community.

Is this chap the worlds greatest orator, nope, but there is no faux fanfare apparent. I think he is honest and sincere in his responses to the questions. Does he have the resources to fulfill even the most basic costs involved well who knows and time will tell. It is different from the bluster of high profile CEOs in past like Mal, Jim Magilton:rolleyes:the big talkers from P6, Mike Tracey aside, the pure BS Bill thinking buzzwords like analytics would overshadow his 'braveheart' play or keepers taking thow-ins. Then practically complete silence from recent owners so maybe we have the bar set low and are blindsided by some reasonable straight talking. But I think selective quotes from a full press conference as per the above misrepresents tone and context! I dont think the media piece is detailed or long enough to take too much from it but if just going on this media piece though, I can see how it sounds disparaging to Kerry Fc and the 'throw a few scraps and the locals will be happy' slant.

Its not that long ago that sorting 'The Puddle' and a lick of paint would please fans - portable stand units behind each goal and we would have the Wemblies....for a wee while anyway.

[ToberonaTornado]

I'll reserve judgement until we see some players confirmed, a week or more after the official confirm on takeover, only 2 players announced one is squad player and both only 1 year contract extensions or option to extend triggered. Still no confirm if Hoban is staying or not, that can't be too hard to sort out, 1/ He's under contract 2/ He's leaving if transfer fee can be agreed, still bizarre the whole thing about Hoban, unless its his agent or prev owners.

The new regime need to get a move on with player recruitment as we have already seen 3 leaving, maybe only 1 a confirmed starter (Dan Kelly) but still its more out than in.

There's already a squad of 13(Hoban among them)so say your aiming for a squad of 19/20 we're not far away from that and negotiations are ongoing with Weir from drogs and McCormack from Pat's on the radar and I hear a new keeper coming from Scotland is being lined up.
Dundalk fans have absolutely no patience,proven time and again.