Season Preview: Dundalk

Dundalk

Year Founded: 1903
Stadium: Oriel Park
Manager: Stephen Kenny
Key player: Stephen O’Donnell

Dundalk FC Squad

After holding onto their Premier Division status by the skin of their teeth via winning the promotion/relegation playoff last season, Dundalk are heading into season 2013 with a lot more optimism. New ownership and a new management team has brought around a new regime on and off the field. Things appear a lot better and early in the close season, Stephen Kenny was appointed  as manager, succeeding Darius Kierans, and set about assembling what looks to be a very decent squad.

The club’s pre-season programme finished with defeat on penalties to neighbours Drogheda United in the annual Jim Malone Cup while they secured four victories against the Irish Defence Forces, a local selection, Wexford Youths and a victory over Sheriff YC in the Leinster Senior Cup. They also drew with the Northern Ireland Junior International team and their opening friendly defeat to Finn Harps has not lived long in the memory and performances have improved game on game which is also a plus. Pre-season has also given the new squad a chance to gel together and become accustomed to the new manager’s style of play.

Kenny has spent the budget wisely and pulled off some impressive signings. The capture of Richie Towell, who was previously Celtic and Hibernian, is one that has caught the eye and the addition of league winners such as Mark Rossiter, Stephen O’Donnell and John Dillon have added some real quality to the Lilywhites squad to the new season. In goal Peter Cherrie remains while Aaron Shanahan returns for a third spell with the club. Kurtis Byrne is a notable addition up front having come in from Ross County in Scotland. Tiarnan Mulvenna returns to his home club.

Last season was one to forget for the Lilywhites and any sort of improvement will be better than last season. The squad of players are talented and have a good work ethic. Avoiding relegation will be the initial aim but the quality in the side may certainly see them push up towards midtable. A top six finish is by no means beyond the Louth club but with a small squad, they will need luck with injuries and suspensions. Kenny’s previous success in Cup encounters could make Dundalk a good bet in the knockout competitions in season 2013.