The owner of Dundalk has acknowledged that the team was compelled to make this decision, which resulted in the dismissal of Stephen O’Donnell as manager today.
After Friday’s crushing defeat away to Derry City, former Dundalk player O’Donnell struck a forlorn figure. The club rushed to make changes, and O’Donnell was fired today following a series of meetings together with his assistant Patrick Cregg.
As a long-term replacement is sought, head coach Liam Burns and head of football operations Brian Gartland will assume interim leadership. Dundalk has a tough schedule coming up, starting with a home game against St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday and an away game against Bohemians on Monday.
Making this choice has been extremely tough, according to Brian Ainscough, owner of Dundalk FC.
“Although Stephen is a very brilliant young coach and will always be remembered as a legendary figure at Dundalk FC, football is a results-driven sport, and unfortunately, our dismal start to the season has brought us to this conclusion.
“Over the past two and a half years, Stephen and Patrick have worked incredibly hard to improve the club. I would like to thank them both for their dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm. I wish them both the best of luck in their future endeavors and assure them that they are always welcome at Oriel Park.”
O’Donnell, who departed controversially from St Patrick’s Athletic in 2021 to accept the Dundalk position, stated it
“We always wanted what was best for Dundalk FC, and we worked extremely hard to try and achieve that,” he stated. Our success over the last two years, including making it to Europe and coming close once more in the previous season, makes me proud.
“Brian and I had a very cordial parting, and I believe the club is in excellent hands moving forward.”
“I’m sure the players and staff will find a way to get the club out of this situation,”
