Former assistant linked with Dundalk job

DUNDALK hope to install a replacement for Sean Connor - or have the process virtually completed - by the end of next week, with leading names tipped to take over the manager’s hot seat at Oriel Park being Stephen Kenny and former assistant manger Joe Miller, while former incumbent Dermot Keely has been linked with the post also.

Derry boss Kenny would not be drawn on Friday night on the prospect after his side defeated Dundalk in the final match of the campaign at Oriel Park.

‘I’m very proud to be manager of Derry City and while there’s massive cutbacks planned for the club next season, I’m preparing for that and to manage them in the Premier Division.

However, the next afternoon the FAI terminated The Candystripes’ licence to participate in the premier division for allegedly signing players on double contracts, but the club are now threatening legal action over their expulsion.

Miller, the former Celtic and Aberdeen striker, impressed Dundalk officials in his role as assistant to the departed manager before leaving the club mid-season, while Keely led the Lilywhites to their last title win in 1995 and was a playing idol and member of their first double winning side in 1978/79. Now with Shelbourne, he is based in Dundalk and is a regular spectator at matches.

CEO Gerry Matthews revealed yesterday ( Tuesday) that the club had drawn up a short list of three candidates who they were to talk with and see whether they would be suitable, and if they could negotiate with them.

Two or three other managers have expressed an interest in the post also. While not revealing their identity, Matthews addmitted one was from outside the League of Ireland.

The club’s preferred choice would be from within the league, but would consider a manager from across channel. They intend to offer the successful applicant a similar budget as last year and to continue with a full-time set-up.

He said the club management would approach others if necessary to find a suitable successor. They would not be rushed into making an appointment, but he added: ‘I’d like to think we will be very much there by the end of next week.’

However, with all the players contracts now expired Alex Williams, Paul McAreavey and Mickey Collins have already departed with Kevin McKinlay expected to follow suit.

Mr. Mathews said they had spoken to most of the players they would like to retain. It would be the first choice of a number to stay, and the club had asked players who received tentative offers to give them first option to sign them.

Highly rated goalkeeper Peter Cherrie has returned to Scotland to think over his future, while Michael McGowan has been strongly linked with Shamrock Rovers.

His wonder goal on Friday night is a contender for goal of the season, and was a highlight of a season that was a ‘credit’ to outgoing manger Sean Connor, commented Mr. Matthews.

The club project making a loss of € 200,000 for the year, but the financial position stands to be boosted by between € 15,000 and € 30,000 with receipts from the Legends game this Sunday, coupled with a Gala Player of the Year night and Christmas party. The CEO said the club have a plan in place for next season, which involves not reducing the quality of players at the new manager’s disposal.

Former assistant linked with Dundalk job

DUNDALK hope to install a replacement for Sean Connor - or have the process virtually completed - by the end of next week, with leading names tipped to take over the manager’s hot seat at Oriel Park being Stephen Kenny and former assistant manger Joe Miller, while former incumbent Dermot Keely has been linked with the post also.

Derry boss Kenny would not be drawn on Friday night on the prospect after his side defeated Dundalk in the final match of the campaign at Oriel Park.

‘I’m very proud to be manager of Derry City and while there’s massive cutbacks planned for the club next season, I’m preparing for that and to manage them in the Premier Division.

However, the next afternoon the FAI terminated The Candystripes’ licence to participate in the premier division for allegedly signing players on double contracts, but the club are now threatening legal action over their expulsion.

Miller, the former Celtic and Aberdeen striker, impressed Dundalk officials in his role as assistant to the departed manager before leaving the club mid-season, while Keely led the Lilywhites to their last title win in 1995 and was a playing idol and member of their first double winning side in 1978/79. Now with Shelbourne, he is based in Dundalk and is a regular spectator at matches.

CEO Gerry Matthews revealed yesterday ( Tuesday) that the club had drawn up a short list of three candidates who they were to talk with and see whether they would be suitable, and if they could negotiate with them.

Two or three other managers have expressed an interest in the post also. While not revealing their identity, Matthews addmitted one was from outside the League of Ireland.

The club’s preferred choice would be from within the league, but would consider a manager from across channel. They intend to offer the successful applicant a similar budget as last year and to continue with a full-time set-up.

He said the club management would approach others if necessary to find a suitable successor. They would not be rushed into making an appointment, but he added: ‘I’d like to think we will be very much there by the end of next week.’

However, with all the players contracts now expired Alex Williams, Paul McAreavey and Mickey Collins have already departed with Kevin McKinlay expected to follow suit.

Mr. Mathews said they had spoken to most of the players they would like to retain. It would be the first choice of a number to stay, and the club had asked players who received tentative offers to give them first option to sign them.

Highly rated goalkeeper Peter Cherrie has returned to Scotland to think over his future, while Michael McGowan has been strongly linked with Shamrock Rovers.

His wonder goal on Friday night is a contender for goal of the season, and was a highlight of a season that was a ‘credit’ to outgoing manger Sean Connor, commented Mr. Matthews.

The club project making a loss of € 200,000 for the year, but the financial position stands to be boosted by between € 15,000 and € 30,000 with receipts from the Legends game this Sunday, coupled with a Gala Player of the Year night and Christmas party. The CEO said the club have a plan in place for next season, which involves not reducing the quality of players at the new manager’s disposal.