2024 Season, Arrivals and Departures

[joey B]

What happened to things not being confirmed until its is on the official website. I dont see uch more than people saying its King on football fora and X. Its not been confirmed by national media just that its reported to be a done deal without official confirmation. Am I missing something?
There you go Nesta!
https://www.dundalkfc.com/new-manager-noel-king/

[D24Saint]

King has be confirmed as the new Dundalk manager. I’d say there are a lot concerned Dundalk fans today.

[dundalkfc10]

King has be confirmed as the new Dundalk manager. I’d say there are a lot concerned Dundalk fans today.

He won't be well received in Oriel on Friday, I'd imagine Mr Ainscough will get the same reception if he is at it

[Philosophizer]

I don’t know what to say. An absolute joke decision. I’d rather Filippo back.
I thought Filippo was fairly decent for the most part.

[ontheotherhand]

This is Bray and Athlone stuff now.

Just disastrous. Im incredibly gutted - not just with the appointment, but how we got here.

Whatever about banter-era stuff - this kind of decision destroys fan bases.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel Kiki. King won't last long and this will probably see the end of Ainscough as well.

[D24Saint]

There is a light at the end of the tunnel Kiki. King won't last long and this will probably see the end of Ainscough as well.

Then what for the club ? Is there anyone in the town that would step in. There are rumours doing the rounds of mounting debts.

[Nesta99]

They are not rumours! Thats said we have paid a fee for Gullan, were obviously going to have to pay a fee if Waterford had let the approach to Long happen, there has been work done in Oriel Park including getting the YDC back open for punlic use. Not an absolute guide but not indicitive of out of control debt. Glentoran owner, Mags and her agency might come sniffing around again if the club became available in the 1st Division on the token level of cheap, that or done as I cant see there being the stomach for another pitch at fan ownership.

Now that King has been confirmed we just have to suck it up in the short term anyway. In the past there have been managerial appointments that on paper looked progressive, Trevor Anderson and Jim Gannon for example and they were disasters especially the former. Even Sean McCaffrey had a good reputation as an underage coach with a sports psychology background too and bar Monaghan United going bang we were relegated even with hos 'rolls royce of players' and Simon Madden not being good enough for Dundalk FC. Even back as far as John Hewitt there was a positive reaction to his appointment that was the start of the decline to relegation for the first time in the clubs history. It would be great fun if the appointment of King, an appointment that has united Dundalk fans in despair at probably our most fractured ever, that he clocks up some wins and keeps us up. Its grasping at straws but back to basics is whats called for, just being a horrible side that is difficult to beat and picks off the odd win against teams around us - and Derry and Rovers etc bloody well stop flapping about and quit gifting points to those we might have a chance of catching otherwise.

One things for sure is that this will be spectacular glitw one way or another....

[Martinho II]

There are 'fans' who have stated that they'd rather be in the 1st division than have an American owner, based on their own personal political persuasion. Not anti hedge fund investment, faceless stuff that ruthlessly will take a return, just simply anti American even if they were the most dedicated and loyal kind. Well they have gotten what they wished for.

There has nothing officially announced so there could be an element of kite flying. I know its an old trick, to get what you want propose something complelely unpalatable so that people will be very relieved by the compromise. John Gill or Vinny Perth would be seen as a lot more acceptable now than if they were announced as new managers. BA could pivot after seeing the backlash simply because its not official yet, unlikely but can be done. If he takes this executive decision alone he completely undermines that new CEO and possibly other key people. He might reconsider if he sees Halpin considering walking after a matter of weeks. Hopeful thinking...

Whos this Halpin bloke? When I first seen the news I thought it was a practical joke. God help us Noel bloody King. what age is he now?

[total hoofball]

The SOD Out lobbyists at Dundalk today are certainly experiencing one hell of a dose of 'be careful what you wish for'

[holidaysong]

It's just an incredibly disappointing day to be a Dundalk fan. Aincough had appeared to be doing a lot of things right since he came in like bringing in the new CEO. But this appointment is just inexplicable. My only way to try to comprehend it is one of two options.

1) You have to assume he genuinely thinks that this is a good move. In which case his judgement on football matters gets called seriously into question. So who is he listening to and what's the point of having a CEO and Head of Football Operations in place. You have to believe in this scenario that neither would have endorsed King, if they were even aware of it in advance. In this case we're into Wild Bill version 2 rogue decisions territory.

2) On the other hand, if it's just a job for the lads move and he knows King is not up to it but hired him as a favour, then he must have deeper pockets then we thought. If he's willing to basically flush his investment down the drain with relegation, then what will stop him just bailing when the time is right.

I honestly don't know which scenario is worse.

[ger121]

I thought Filippo was fairly decent for the most part.

So did I. He would be a far better choice than the spoofer who has just been announced.

[ger121]

It's just an incredibly disappointing day to be a Dundalk fan. Aincough had appeared to be doing a lot of things right since he came in like bringing in the new CEO. But this appointment is just inexplicable. My only way to try to comprehend it is one of two options.

1) You have to assume he genuinely thinks that this is a good move. In which case his judgement on football matters gets called seriously into question. So who is he listening to and what's the point of having a CEO and Head of Football Operations in place. You have to believe in this scenario that neither would have endorsed King, if they were even aware of it in advance. In this case we're into Wild Bill version 2 rogue decisions territory.

2) On the other hand, if it's just a job for the lads move and he knows King is not up to it but hired him as a favour, then he must have deeper pockets then we thought. If he's willing to basically flush his investment down the drain with relegation, then what will stop him just bailing when the time is right.

I honestly don't know which scenario is worse.

3) You need someone quickly, don’t have a pot to **** in and King was available and cheap.

[Kiki Balboa]

Filippo was good if you forget his mental squad rotation policy.

But, he knew football no doubt. It was his first manager job. If he wanted, you could be much better manager now.

[holidaysong]

3) You need someone quickly, don’t have a pot to **** in and King was available and cheap.

This doesn't add up though considering that it's been confirmed that we approached Keith Long. This would have cost compensation and maybe a bit of a delay.

[WoodquayBoy]

The gift that keeps on giving

[Another Bohemia]

Whos this Halpin bloke? When I first seen the news I thought it was a practical joke. God help us Noel bloody King. what age is he now?

67. I don't think it's his age that's the problem though more so the fact that even at the best of times he would have been an underwhelming appointment :P

[culloty82]

Whos this Halpin bloke? When I first seen the news I thought it was a practical joke. God help us Noel bloody King. what age is he now?

Halpin was the Commercial/Sponsorship Manager at Kerry last year, as that appears to be his day job, and TBF, he did excellent work in that department, getting the local Chamber of Commerce and Kerry Airport on board.

[outspoken]

Halpin was the Commercial/Sponsorship Manager at Kerry last year, as that appears to be his day job, and TBF, he did excellent work in that department, getting the local Chamber of Commerce and Kerry Airport on board.
Yep, HalpinSports is his company, they deal with some of Europe's biggest clubs

[ger121]

This doesn't add up though considering that it's been confirmed that we approached Keith Long. This would have cost compensation and maybe a bit of a delay.

That was maybe the idea but then how did you go from Long to King in a few days.

[holidaysong]

That was maybe the idea but then how did you go from Long to King in a few days.

My own assumption based on the quotes from the owner announcing King is that he was genuinely his preferred choice from the beginning.

It seems that Halpin and/or Gartland were allowed to pursue Long and Halpin was certainly inviting applicants (hence the notification of a deadline for next Wednesday with his contact details). But it seems that when their preferred choice Long became impossible, the owner has put a halt to that process and gone with his option.

The jump only makes sense to me in this scenario, where there were essentially two competing processes and only one was going to win the day.

[Another Bohemia]

My own assumption based on the quotes from the owner announcing King is that he was genuinely his preferred choice from the beginning.

It seems that Halpin and/or Gartland were allowed to pursue Long and Halpin was certainly inviting applicants (hence the notification of a deadline for next Wednesday with his contact details). But it seems that when their preferred choice Long became impossible, the owner has put a halt to that process and gone with his option.

The jump only makes sense to me in this scenario, where there were essentially two competing processes and only one was going to win the day.

Honestly allowing that press release to go out just seems bizarre in hindsight. Something's amiss behind the scenes because if they were that close to announcing King as a manager there was absolutely no need to even put it out. Especially if he was the owners preferred choice. Why invite more applications if they are going straight into the bin? Why have a director of football operations and CEO of they are not going to be involved in arguably the biggest football decision to be made at a club? Seems like there's a few different people rowing in different directions. If your a Dundalk fan you have to hope they figure it out before the club goes under.

[Nesta99]

Halpin was the Commercial/Sponsorship Manager at Kerry last year, as that appears to be his day job, and TBF, he did excellent work in that department, getting the local Chamber of Commerce and Kerry Airport on board.

He previously worked for Dundalk FC, has historical family connections to the club and is from Dundalk Im pretty sure. He has done well in developing his skillset and building his company which has some pretty big clients on the books. All the more bizzare that his efforts as club CEO look undermined at face value. I would say he knew what the reaction would be to King, mayve convinced the owner that his judgemet was off and was given a chance to approach a realistic target and active LoI manager. Once the approach was rebuffed by Waterford then BA took his man in, snap decision. A bit more pushing for Long and generally people get their chance to at least talk to those making an approach. No need for much fuss, he just had to give the statutory notice to the current employer!

[TonyD]

So did I. He would be a far better choice than the spoofer who has just been announced.

Every time there’s a managerial vacancy in the league the Roddy jokes come up, but I honestly think he would have been a better appointment than King for Dundalk.

[Kiki Balboa]

My own assumption based on the quotes from the owner announcing King is that he was genuinely his preferred choice from the beginning.

It seems that Halpin and/or Gartland were allowed to pursue Long and Halpin was certainly inviting applicants (hence the notification of a deadline for next Wednesday with his contact details). But it seems that when their preferred choice Long became impossible, the owner has put a halt to that process and gone with his option.

The jump only makes sense to me in this scenario, where there were essentially two competing processes and only one was going to win the day.

From my reading, Halpin and Garts did not know that Noel King was going to be appointed, and were caught by surprise like the rest of us.

Long, Keddy from Wexford and Stephen Kenny were all sounded out before King was appointed.

Personally, I do not think King will last beyond 3 games.

Burns and Garts were doing well (even if there was a countdown on their effectiveness of caretaker manager). There was no need to rush an appointment. I also think this Dundalk squad is well capable of staying up - all we need is a spark going forward. We have dominated midfield in games, work fairly hard, and defend decent outside a couple of games.

This King appointment just makes no sense beyond it just being an arrogant, singular, and absent of football understanding decision by the owner.

[Nesta99]

Not sure it can be entirely siad that its an absence of football understanding, that is a matter of opinion. It is certainly an absence of understanding of Dundalk FC and its fans!

[Martinho II]

Last night went thro that famous interview when King was ROI interim mgr in 2013 when TOD interviewed him. God he is so bitter it will be interesting to see if Tony O Donoghue will interview him again?

[WeAreRovers]

Not sure it can be entirely siad that its an absence of football understanding, that is a matter of opinion. It is certainly an absence of understanding of Dundalk FC and its fans!

Appointing Noel King as manager in 2024 is the dictionary definition of ‘an absence of football understanding’.

[nr637]

Appointing Noel King as manager in 2024 is the dictionary definition of ‘an absence of football understanding’.


Desperate measures!

[brendy_éire]

Decky Devine given the permanent job as Glens manager. Maybe a bit surprising, based on their middling results.

[EalingGreen]

Decky Devine given the permanent job as Glens manager. Maybe a bit surprising, based on their middling results.On the basis of results certainly, but on the basis upon which the club is run, not in the least.

Which is not to say he's a bad manager (am in no position to comment), but the club is in such a state that Pep Guardiola would struggle to get a tune out of them.

One interesting comment from the club statement: "Declan will have responsibility for playing matters at all levels throughout the club, including full authority over player and senior coaching staff recruitment."

The most pressing problem at the club (though by no means the only one!) is that the absentee owner has appointed a mate to run the club on his behalf, with that mate working in conjunction with a mate of his own. Those two have screwed up appallingly, even despite having serious money to spend, so that the whole club is a bit of a shambles.

Tbf to Devine, after the most recent debacle (losing 2-0 at Cliftonville on Saturday, when apparently they were atrocious), he lashed out all round him. Fans seem to feel that while he must bear at least some responsibility, he at least spoke the truth. Apparently half the squad are out of contract next month, so it will be interesting to see who comes in instead. If they're picked from DD's contacts book, then maybe he can do a decent job.

But I would fear that he'll still be hamstrung by the clowns above him.

[joey B]

Declan Devine named Glentoran boss on a permanent basis,he must be unbeliveable in interviews!

[Nesta99]

Appointing Noel King as manager in 2024 is the dictionary definition of ‘an absence of football understanding’.

You may well be spot on but until the appointment of King is an absolute failure in due course the absence of football understanding is still a matter of opinion!

[David BOHie]

This doesn't add up though considering that it's been confirmed that we approached Keith Long. This would have cost compensation and maybe a bit of a delay.

Or maybe Dundalk couldn't afford the compensation? Realistically, he's Keith Long. He's on a short enough contract you'd imagine with a modest wage. Waterford wouldn't have been looking for millions. I actually think it adds to Ger's point that you don't have a pot to **** in

[ToberonaTornado]

From what I know, King's wages will be just slightly less bunce than S o'Ds.
Money is available for mid-season or out of contract transfers.
Money available for renovation of floodlights and pitch.
Debts being paid.
Operations at ydl to resume shortly after a lot of work, time and money spent on it.
Ainscough is definitely pumping a lot of money in to the club and definitely seems to have deep pockets and can't fault him there.

On the managerial appointment front?? ........ :(

What can we do now except accept it and see how it transpires, I'll be in op on Friday hoping we win, same as always

[Another Bohemia]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2024/0423/1445172-king-vows-to-win-over-dundalk-faithful-with-victories/

Am I reading this right? It comes across as King didn't apply for the job but Ainscough just called him and offered him the job? Bizarre goings on in Dundalk if that's correct.

[total hoofball]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2024/0423/1445172-king-vows-to-win-over-dundalk-faithful-with-victories/

Am I reading this right? It comes across as King didn't apply for the job but Ainscough just called him and offered him the job? Bizarre goings on in Dundalk if that's correct.
Obviously every single one of the 70 odd job applications from around Ireland/the UK/further afield could not meet the calibre of Noel King and all CVs were dumped into the bin by Ainscough before the application deadline closed

[ger121]

In fairness to King. He is only the 2nd most surprising appointment at Dundalk in the last 4 years.

[Knocklyonhoop]

From what I know, King's wages will be just slightly less bunce than S o'Ds.
Money is available for mid-season or out of contract transfers.
Money available for renovation of floodlights and pitch.
Debts being paid.
Operations at ydl to resume shortly after a lot of work, time and money spent on it.
Ainscough is definitely pumping a lot of money in to the club and definitely seems to have deep pockets and can't fault him there.

On the managerial appointment front?? ........ :(

What can we do now except accept it and see how it transpires, I'll be in op on Friday hoping we win, same as always

that’s a lot of money, no? How much is a new pitch?

[sbgawa]

Such a pity ainscough wasn't pally with Roddy. Same era as King but with a personality and some actual achievements beyond goto staffer for the FAI under Delaney and an abject failure at that. Reminds me of Maurice setters under Jack charlton. Given the under 21s job and his repeated abject failures ignored....setters was just a pal of Jack's and a mug . King ......

[Nesta99]

It was mentioned that grant applications were submitted for the floodlights and pitch and I hope this really is the case. I cant recall how often you can apply for a pitch but it would be a either a 2nd or 3rd grant, its used to be 10 years a facility that recieves a grant must be used before desposal without repaying a grant so timing would better fit that this is a 2nd grant.

Dunno the exact dimensions of Oriel pitch but the Aviva is about 7200m², it was about *€20-25 per m² so round up to 200k. Infil need to be changed on H+S gounds, future proof the pitch as per the EU ban on older types of rubber infill/microplastics (https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/business-of-sport/arid-41033855.html). Cork infill supposedly better replicates a grass pitch, absorbs less heat, less UV degredation so should lengthen the lifespan offsetting some future cost. Not a major deal but will look better than the black rubber crumb too. *I wouldnt think any major work is needed on the pitch foundation bar the increased size, more expensive infill, cost of desposing old pitch and crumb, prices may be outdated so I'll guestimate with precision of between €150-300k. Local press quoted €1mil a while back but that seems to be to be the cost of a entire replacement of the pitch system. There was also a suggestion of an EU ban on artificial surfaces but my reading was that the ban would be on the type of infill. Figures were based on what it cost for Derry to install and or replace their pitch I think to a hybrid system. If the new pitch in Oriel is to a 1mil hybrid pitch great and a grant would be possible. If its relaying the surface layer and changing infill the 1mil is damn expensive and the Dept of Sport are in trouble trying to fund replacement pitches all over the place or close facilities at all sorts of levels. Anyway that will rear is head another day.

YDC needed remedial work reportedly to meet fire regulations and BA didnt see the cost as prohibitive. He said similar in relation to installing modular covered seating units. Covering each end of The Shed would take damn all effort imo and as Oriel has mentioned in the past, the Town end seated terrace could also be covered. The disabled seatig is now installed adjacent to this terrace so it would make sense to cover both areas. The only reason I can think of for such work not being done is fear of opening a can of worms on planning issues if planning is required, it may have been a convenient reason for previous owers not to bother but if there is no change to capacity and it probably improves safety (no standing on a grass bank), it'd be picky by LCC/DTC make a big fuss.

Id presume that debts are structured - if its not the revenue owed money it doesnt make sense for creditors not to agree to repayment plans. Of coure BA may have just cleared all debt as part of the sale but we know very little about the debt tbh. Maybe there are director loans lumped in with the 750k and where did the figures come from and when - could be from previous sources in the club that are no longer involved. We may get some insight from published accounts in due course.

I agree with TT that certainly at face value BA has been positive in getting things done that seem like basic day to day stuff sorted eg seeing that the cost of opening the YDC again should be an income stream or a cost saving facility for training sessions. There even seemed to be a previous disinterest in having the Lilywhite Lounge open toward the end of the previous ownership - it was manned by volunteers in the past so at the very least....

Im not convinced that the managerial appointment was budget based, BA has used an old contact, he was coached by King hiself and must feel that what is needed is well something in Noel Kings team management - Id like to see movement on a backroom team unless its Gartland, Burns with King just fronting things but that would make even less sense considering there is a pro licence holder already at the club that could have stepped in to that role. Tony's interview with NK was bland by past examples, I hope it remains that way due to a lack of need to question tactics and results....it will entertain fans of other clubs if King gets cranky or points on the board, playing a more direct style of football might add goals (its only agricultural football when Caulfield has teams hoofing it), Gullan seems to be getting fitter and creating a bit more, he isnt a like for like kind of replacement for Hoban yet we tried to play as if he was. A Derry fan mentioned them going 2 up top and conceding possession and being more efficient, S'OD liked his xG stats that meant little so old fashioned could be the new new..........................

[pineapple stu]

Or maybe Dundalk couldn't afford the compensation? Realistically, he's Keith Long. He's on a short enough contract you'd imagine with a modest wage. Waterford wouldn't have been looking for millions. I actually think it adds to Ger's point that you don't have a pot to **** in
Don't sack O'Donnell so I guess?

Presumably his contract has to be paid up. I don't think he was the problem unless the board blamed him for player recruitment. And have they ended up with better?

[Neish]

Declan Devine named Glentoran boss on a permanent basis,he must be unbeliveable in interviews!

Maybe the Glens board were blown away by his interview

[Another Bohemia]

Don't sack O'Donnell so I guess?

Presumably his contract has to be paid up. I don't think he was the problem unless the board blamed him for player recruitment. And have they ended up with better?

Maybe this is all part of some masterplan. Sack O'Donnell and bring in a complete out of the blue almost nepotism style hire and show how bad things can go then when all looks lost bring back O'Donnell because you are still paying him and everyone (coaches, players & fans) all get behind their saviour, Dundalk escape relegation and win the cup! It's insane but it just might work!

[oriel]

From what I know, King's wages will be just slightly less bunce than S o'Ds.
Money is available for mid-season or out of contract transfers.
Money available for renovation of floodlights and pitch.
Debts being paid.
Operations at ydl to resume shortly after a lot of work, time and money spent on it.
Ainscough is definitely pumping a lot of money in to the club and definitely seems to have deep pockets and can't fault him there.

On the managerial appointment front?? ........ :(

What can we do now except accept it and see how it transpires, I'll be in op on Friday hoping we win, same as always


To add to that and confirmed this week by local media, they had made huge offer to Kenny, but he wanted to wait for jobs abroad, and were prepared to go compensation route with Waterford but it never got any further.

Seemingly Ainscough does have decent funds, and 2 new investors were confirmed 4 weeks ago, correct on new pitch for 2025 and new lights also, and YDC should be re-open soon and for the community.

All sounds good, then we go for King to take the manager job, its still bizarre really.

[ToberonaTornado]

that’s a lot of money, no? How much is a new pitch?

Million euro at least..... probably more ?
think the use by date for our pitch is up at the end of this season?
Hopefully see some capital fund grants coming in.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/louth/sport/soccer/grass-pitch-option-impractical-for-oriel-park-dundalk-fc-supporters-are-told-at-meeting/a2079862167.html#:~:text=The%20current%20pitch%20w as%20last,laid%20ahead%20of%20next%20year.

[Nesta99]

Million euro at least..... probably more ?
think the use by date for our pitch is up at the end of this season?
Hopefully see some capital fund grants coming in.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/louth/sport/soccer/grass-pitch-option-impractical-for-oriel-park-dundalk-fc-supporters-are-told-at-meeting/a2079862167.html#:~:text=The%20current%20pitch%20w as%20last,laid%20ahead%20of%20next%20year.

Doesnt mention cost above but 1mil is usually a complete new instllation. Id have thought the upper layer and infill is all that is needed + the additions to the pitch size. I cant swear on it but after the first pitch installed while Sean Connolly was CEO (pitch sitting in Dublin Port for months stuff) it was with a grant allocation but Hiney Park was aso sold to help cover general costs and draw down grant %. I think the grant was due to expire but for some help from a politician fan. There was an issue with that surface soon enough so Gerry Matthews had a new top layer and infill done also (removed pitch was set on fire and GM sought insurance claim on the loss!!?) this was part funded by the club and field turf due to whatever issue there was and GM's workers did the work of laying the surface, never looked right with obvious joins between sections rolled out. 2017 another new surface layer was installed and is the one still in use. So things were managed wihout large grants bar the original fieldtrurf job. So Im still inclinded on this new 4th relaid turf and infilland not be the full installation cost of 1mil, that quote it think is lited is lifted from Derry info, or the 1mil cost includes both work to pitch and floodlights - inflation as high as it is and all.

[oriel]

I see Sean Maguire has been released by Carlisle, usually and at his age (he turns 30 this week), you think they will extend career in uk, but not sure this time, his club have been relegated so not sure he will have too many UK options.

Wonder does this open the door to a LOI return in July, who would be in the running I wonder.

[Martinho II]

I see Sean Maguire has been released by Carlisle, usually and at his age (he turns 30 this week), you think they will extend career in uk, but not sure this time, his club have been relegated so not sure he will have too many UK options.

Wonder does this open the door to a LOI return in July, who would be in the running I wonder.

Surely Waterford considering they have a lot of Uk connections now. Hard to believe hes 30! How many ireland caps did he get?

[oriel]

Maguire has 11 full caps per Mr Wiki, I always wouldn't rule out Galway, re-united with Caulfield.

(just looked up Daryl Horgan on the Ireland caps, he has 17, I think most as subs, but still a decent haul, he had a great game v Bohs).

[Buckett]

I'd love it if Caulfield could convince him to come out West