Dundalk confirm Noel King as new manager

Dundalk have confirmed that former Republic of Ireland caretaker boss Noel King is to succeed Stephen O'Donnell as manager.

The 67-year old, who managed the Republic of Ireland in two World Cup qualifier games following Giovanni Trapattoni's resignation in 2013, spent two spells at Dundalk as a player in the 1977-78 and 1982-83 seasons.

"I'm delighted to be back at Dundalk and taking charge of one of Ireland’s biggest and most successful clubs is a real honour," said King.

"I can’t wait to get started and I’m looking forward to meeting up with the players and staff as soon as possible.

"I promise that no effort will be spared in the pursuit of success and trying to bring the glory days back to Oriel Park.

"It’s obviously a difficult time at the moment but I would ask everyone connected with the club to continue supporting the squad."

Dundalk owner Brian Ainscough said he was confident that the club had hired the right man.

"From the moment the club started looking for a new manager, Noel was one of my top targets.

"The career he has had speaks for itself and his passion and hunger for the game is still very much there, believe me.

"I know in my heart and in my head that I have appointed the right man for the job ahead."

King spent lengthy stints as Republic of Ireland women's manager and Republic of Ireland men's U21's boss, and recently guided Shelbourne to successive Women's National League titles in 2021 and 2022.

The Dundalk job is his first in the League of Ireland since a short stint as Finn Harps manager in 2003.

Prior to that, he has served as part of Dermot Keely's management team at Shelbourne during their 2001-02 title winning season.

His last stint as a first team manager in the Premier Division was his four-year spell