Dundalk head coach Stephen O'Donnell 'relieved of his duties'

Stephen O'Donnell has been sacked as head coach of Dundalk FC after a poor start to this season's SSE Airtricity League.

The club confirmed O'Donnell had been "relieved of his duties" on Monday, along with the team's assistant manager, Patrick Cregg.

Dundalk currently sit bottom of the Premier Division having picked up three draws and five losses from their opening eight games.

"This has been a very difficult decision to make," the club's owner Brian Ainscough said in a statement released by the club.

Dundalk FC can confirm that Stephen O’Donnell has been relieved of his duties as head coach.

The club has also parted ways with assistant manager Patrick Cregg.

We would like to thank Stevie and Padge for their efforts over the past two-and-a-half years.

— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) April 8, 2024

While Ainscough said O'Donnell "is, and always will be, a legendary figure at Dundalk FC", he added: "Football is a results business and, regrettably, our disappointing start to the season has led to this conclusion."

"Obviously a very sad day," O'Donnell said. "We always wanted what was the best for Dundalk FC and we worked tirelessly to try and do that."

He added that he was proud of the team's achievements over the past two years, and said he has "no doubt that the players and staff will get the club out of the position they’re in".

The club confirmed first-team coach Liam Burns and head of football operations Brian Gartland will take charge of the squad on an interim basis.