REPLACEMENT DUN QUICKLY
Whites will move swiftly after axing Ste
DUNDALK won’t hang about in their efforts to appoint Stephen O’donnell’s successor.
The Premier Division’s bottom club wielded the axe on their beleaguered manager yesterday, after a winless run of eight games.
And O’donnell, who captained the Lilywhites to league and cup glory when Stephen Kenny was boss, admitted the chain of events rendered it “a sad day”.
Dundalk’s new owner Brian Ainscough conceded he took no pleasure in sacking the 38-year-old, with assistant Patrick Cregg also exiting Oriel Park.
Club stalwart Brian Gartland – who is Dundalk’s head of football operations – and current first-team coach and ex-defender Lian Burns have been put in interim charge.
They will call the shots on the training ground this week ahead of Friday’s home game against St Patrick’s Athletic.
The writing was on the wall for O’donnell after the Lilywhites slumped to a 4-1 defeat away to Derry City on Friday.
That was their fifth defeat in eight league games, with Dundalk bottom of the top flight and four points adrift of derby rivals Drogheda
United.
Dundalk were last night assessing their shortlist options but owner Ainscough is not expected to waste time appointing a new manager.
Yesterday, he said of O’donnell’s departure: “This has been a very difficult decision to make. Stephen is, and always will be, a legendary figure at Dundalk FC.
“He’s a very talented young coach but football is a results business and, regrettably, our disappointing start to the season has led to this conclusion.
“Stephen and Patrick have worked tirelessly to improve the club over the past two-and-ahalf years.
“I would like to thank both of them for their commitment, dedication and enthusiasm.”
In a statement yesterday, O’donnell said it was a ‘sad day’ to be parting ways with Dundalk.
“We always wanted what was the best for Dundalk FC and we worked tirelessly to try and do that,” he said.
“I’m proud of our achievements over the past two years, qualifying for Europe and going close again last season.
“The way I left it with Brian was very amicable and I think the club is in really good hands going forward.
“I have no doubt that the players and staff will get the club out of the position they’re in.”