Ex-Kerry FC CEO Brian Ainscough takes over Dundalk

Boston-based businessman Brian Ainscough has officially taken full control of Dundalk after stepping down as Kerry FC CEO last week.

The Dubliner, who played in the League of Ireland football with Home Farm and Drogheda United, emigrated to the USA in 1983 and spent the best part of three decades as a player and coach before moving into the business side of the game.

Ainscough is the CEO of United Soccer League Two club Boston Bolts and was instrumental in Kerry's introduction to the LOI at the start of this year.

"I knew that Dundalk were looking for investment and over the last month I looked at the club a bit more in-depth and ownership was something that I felt I would be very interested in," he said.

"I’m a competitor and I want to be involved with the very best. Dundalk, with all of its history and tradition, is, and has been, one of the top football clubs in the country and when this opportunity came up, it was too good to pass up."

Ainscough arrived at Oriel Park on Tuesday and said he was eager to press ahead with plans for the new season.

"We have a busy couple of weeks ahead with season tickets, new jerseys, new sponsors and new players to be announced before Christmas. The fixtures for the new season come out on 15 December and I can’t wait for the first game to come around in February.

"The objective for 2024 is to get the club back into Europe," he added. "That’s our goal. We were only two points off finishing fourth last season which shows how close we are and Stephen O'Donnell can fully get to work now and talk to players and assure them that the club is in a good place and ready to kick on."

Ainscough’s arrival brings Andy Connolly, Alan Clarke and Sean O'Connor's two-year spell as owners of Dundalk to an end.