JON DALY has been appointed as Dundalk boss just 16 days after his sacking by St Pat’s.
The Dubliner will become the Lilywhites’ third manager this season, whilst Brian Gartland and Liam Burns have also been in caretaker charge.
Daly stepped up from assistant at Richmond Park in May 2023 after Tim Clancy was sacked and led them to FAI Cup glory in November.
But he was fired and replaced with Stephen Kenny after a poor start to the season. His task now will be to steer the border club clear of relegation. They remain rooted to the foot of the table despite last week’s shock win over Shamrock Rovers.
Daly, 41, said: “This is a great opportunity. I looked at everything, the squad, the support, the history of the club, and it’s something I’m really excited about.
“When you look at the squad, there is a real high level of quality there, and a nice blend of youth and experience.
“It probably took the new players some time to click and gel but I think we have seen in recent weeks what this squad is capable of and I have no doubt that we can start climbing the table.”
Brian Ainscough took control of Dundalk in the off season having owned Kerry FC last season.
He gave Stephen O’Donnell the bullet after Dundalk did not win any of their first eight games of the season.
He came under fire for going on a solo run and appointing Noel King as a manager when the club’s application process was still open.
King parted company after just four games on medical grounds.
Ainscough is hoping things will go better under new boss Daly.
Ainscough said: “I couldn’t be happier with this appointment. Jon is a coach on the rise. He had an amazing season at St Patrick’s Athletic last year, winning the FAI Cup and taking them into Europe.
“What also impressed me is the fact that he gives young players a chance. If you look at the FAI Cup final last year, he had a vibrant, hungry team full of talented young players.
“I have no doubt that Jon will hit the ground running and I hope all of our supporters get behind him and the players for the rest of the season ahead.”
Daly will not be in charge for Friday’s game against Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park but will be there.
First-team coach Burns will pick the team but is serving a touchline ban. That means academy coaches Dave Mackey and Thomas McShane will join other technical staff in the dugout.