Assistant manager John Gill leaves Dundalk as crisis deepens at Oriel Park

The crisis at Dundalk deepened further on Tuesday evening as assistant manager John Gill announced his resignation.

Gill departs following the removal of last year’s double-winning manager Vinny Perth on Thursday, 24 hours after the Lilywhites’ elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Cejle.

The Dubliner was part of a management team that also included former Waterford boss Alan Reynolds and ex-Wexford Youths boss Shane Keegan.

Gill, a UEFA Pro License holder, was brought in to assist Perth as he worked on attaining the necessary qualifications and played a significant role off the pitch.

Dundalk lifted the league and EA Sports Cup double in 2019 and only missed out on a historic treble following a penalty shoot-out defeat to Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup final.

With the club set to appoint the unknown Italian coach Filippo Giovagnoli later this week, Gill felt his position was no longer tenable and departed the club with immediate effect.

“Today I left [Dundalk]. I felt I had no choice given recent events,” Gill posted on social media.

“I am extremely sad it has come to this. I wish the clubs staff, players & fans every success in the future.”

Gill has a long association with the Lilywhites, having led them to the First Division title as manager in 2008.

The 56-year-old has also held the reins with Athlone Town and Dublin City, and has held assistant manager positions at Shamrock Rovers and Drogheda United.