Noel King leaves Dundalk after just four games in charge

Dundalk have been hit with more managerial upheaval as Noel King has stepped down with immediate effect after just four games in charge.

The former Republic of Ireland interim boss informed the club he was departing due to "medical reasons".

"Noel King has informed the club that he will be stepping down as first-team manager with immediate effect due to medical reasons," the club said in a statement this afternoon.

"We would like to thank Noel for his time with the club and we wish him and his family all the best in the future. Liam Burns will take charge of the team for the match with Shamrock Rovers on Friday night."

King was surprisingly confirmed as Dundalk manager on 20 April, more than two decades after his last managerial job in the men's League of Ireland.

The club played four Premier Division games during his 22-day tenure, a 2-0 win over Bohemians in his opening fixture - the club's first and still only victory of the season - a goalless draw against Shelbourne, and then two away defeats to local rivals Drogheda United and an emphatic 4-1 loss to Waterford FC last Friday night.

The loss on Friday left Dundalk six points adrift at the foot of the table, with King admitting afterwards that the situation "looks very difficult for us".

On Monday, it was disclosed that head of football operations and former centre-half Brian Gartland was leaving after an 11-year association at the club.

Dundalk confirmed that the search for a new permanent manager would commence immediately.

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