Breaking Dundalk takeover agreed between Brian Ainscough and investors

Dundalk FC have confirmed that a takeover of the club has been agreed between owner Brian Ainscough and a group of investors led by local barrister John Temple.

Temple is leading a consortium that has agreed to pay the players' wages until the end of the season. The group say they will also "examine the viability of the club and its facilities going forward".

The Lilywhites were on the brink of collapse on Monday with current owner Ainscough having set a 5pm deadline for a call for investment. While no deal was reached, talks continued and a plan has now been put in place.

"Dundalk is a football town and the club is hugely important to all the staff, players and supporters," Temple in a statement this evening.

"We appreciate the concerns raised by all of our supporters in recent weeks and it has underscored what the club means to every one of them."

Dundalk sit bottom of the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division, one point behind their nearest neighbours in the league, Drogheda United.

"We are fully supportive of Jon Daly and the team to get the results required on the pitch," Temple added.

"I am more concerned right now about getting the off-field matters sorted.

"We are very grateful to Minister Thomas Byrne who has pledged the Government’s support for our Sports Capital Grant application, which is most welcome, and this is the silver lining for today’s takeover announcement.

"A new Board of Directors will be appointed in the coming weeks and a meeting will take place with staff and players in the next week when everything is finalised.

"Today is a proud day for all associated with Dundalk Football Club."

Dundalk are set to face Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds on Saturday night.