Magilton the favourite for new Director of Footall role
JIM Magilton has emerged as the front runner to become the new Director of Football at Dundalk FC and could even be attendance at this Thursday’s Europa League match against Rapid Wien at the Aviva Stadium.
The 51-year-old is currently the Elite Performance Director of the IFA in Northern Ireland - a position he has held since 2013.
However, it is understood that the former Liverpool, Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich Town midfielder has been offered a newly created role at Oriel Park which would see him oversee the club off the field.
Negotiations are understood to be at an advanced stage with Magilton, who is said to have impressed a number of the club’s board with his vision for Dundalk FC.
Chairman Bill Hulsizer admitted to The Argus last week that a new role for a ‘Boss’ would be created.
While he said at the time there was a three man shortlist, Magilton is understood to be the favoured choice although it may be a number of weeks until he can officially assume the as yet untitled position due to having to work a notice period with the IFA. Despite this it is understood that the Belfast man is anxious to get going as soon as possible and could attend Thursday’s Europa League game in Dublin.
Hulsizer, who has been criticised by supporters at times this season for alleged interference in on the field activities, said he would be taking a step back from day to day affairs once the new appointment was made having admitted that the current arrangement of PEAK6 trying to run things from America had its flaws.
‘Whoever we choose they have to have business skills, football skills, football knowledge, football contacts, business contacts. We need somebody to run the club. I can’t do it from the US. We haven’t done a great job so far except qualifying for the Europa League.
‘The new man’s job will be to run the club. There should be no daily communication between the board of directors and the people running the club in Ireland.
‘It needs to be organised and it’s not. That will be his first mission.’
Magilton, who has managed Ipswich Town and Queens Park Rangers, has knowledge of the League of Ireland from his time as assistant to Michael O’Neill when Shamrock Rovers won the title in 2011.
He also has extensive knowledge of the game in Northern Ireland and connections across the UK.
Despite Magilton’s pending arrival, the club are still expected to confirm the appointment of Filippo Giovagnoli as the club’s full-time manager soon.
New home and away jerseys are also planned for next season with completely new designs to accommodate the arrival of BetRegal as sponsors.