Soccer

Dundalk sack manager Stephen O’Donnell after poor results

Club are bottom of the Premier Division after a nightmare start to the season

Dundalk manager Stephen O’Donnell. Photograph: Lorcan Doherty/Inpho
Dundalk manager Stephen O’Donnell. Photograph: Lorcan Doherty/Inpho
Mon Apr 08 2024 - 19:31

Stephen O’Donnell has been sacked as manager of Dundalk, the club have announced, with assistant manager Patrick Cregg also leaving.

A former club captain, O’Donnell returned to Oriel Park in December 2021 and led Dundalk to European qualification in his first season at the helm before guiding the Lilywhites to a fifth-place finish in 2023.

“This has been a very difficult decision to make,” said Dundalk owner Brian Ainscough.

“Stephen is, and always will be, a legendary figure at Dundalk FC and is a very talented young coach but football is a results business and, regrettably, our disappointing start to the season has led to this conclusion.”

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Dundalk lost 4-1 to Derry City on Friday, which may have been the final straw for the club. They are rooted to the bottom of the Premier Division without a victory in the first eight games.

“It’s obviously a very sad day for myself and Padge,” said Stephen O’Donnell. “I love Dundalk FC and I love the town so much.

“We always wanted what was the best for Dundalk FC and we worked tirelessly to try and do that.

“I’m proud of our achievements over the past two years, qualifying for Europe and going close again last season.”

First-team coach Liam Burns and Head of Football Operations Brian Gartland will take charge of the team on an interim basis while the search for a new appointment takes place.