WE’L L PR O V E OUR P E R T H
Vinny: Everyone here is ready to show the future is still bright at Oriel Park
NEW Dundalk boss Vinny Perth believes Stephen Kenny’s departure has given everyone at Oriel Park the motivation to show what they’re made of.
Having worked as Kenny’s assistant for six years, the 42-year-old has been appointed head coach as Dundalk gear up to defend their league and FAI Cup crowns.
Big shoes to fill for Perth, perhaps, when you reflect on the golden era masterminded by Kenny.
But the Dubliner doesn’t fully see it that way, having played his own important part in a period of unprecedented success for Dundalk.
“While I respect the question, I partially wore those shoes at different stages and in different ways,” said Perth. “So whether the manager had stayed or gone, there was still going to be continuity.
“Obviously we’ve lost a huge figurehead and someone that all the staff and players really respected.
“It’s probably given us a bigger sense of motivation and a determination to say that what we do in Dundalk is about the whole team, the staff and the players.
“Stephen leaving has left a real motivation tool for everyone in the group to go and prove themselves – to show what we’re made of.”
As Perth has still to obtain his UEFA pro licence, John Gill returns as first team coach. Ruaidhri Higgins, 34, also steps up from his role as opposition analyst to assistant head coach.
Perth added: “Myself and Ruaidhri would potentially be seen as inexperienced.
“I don’t believe winning four leagues, two FAI Cups, two League Cups and 24 European games just at Dundalk alone, and having worked with Stephen at Derry before that, means I’m inexperienced in any way.
“I may be perceived as inexperienced but the management team that we’ve set up will definitely help. Ruaidhri has been there for two years, he was part of a team that won the double.”
And Perth is confident he will dovetail with Gill.
The 54-year-old (inset) was previously Dundalk manager, spearheading the club’s successful promotion drive 11 years ago – before stints as assistant manager at St Pat’s, Shamrock Rovers, Bray
Wanderers and Drogheda
United.
“I’ve known John a long time through work and football, he’s someone I’d trust to the last inch,” said Perth.
“He ticks a lot of boxes – and certainly brings up the average age! Seriously, he brings a real managerial experience to our coaching staff.”
Perth knows expectations are high right from the start.
But he added: “It might shock people that Vinny Perth is used to the pressure of winning stuff, but I’m sorry, I’ve been here six years.
“Going out in round two of the Europa League last season was seen outside the club as a disaster. We’re well used to that pressure as a group.
“We’ve been in a good place and we’re looking for a bit of icing on the cake.”