WITH STEPHEN KENNY leaving his post as Dundalk manager after six years, the League of Ireland’s top club will be looking to find a replacement before pre-season begins in January.
Here’s a look at some of the names being linked with the Lilywhites job.
1. Vinny Perth
Kenny’s number two for his entire spell at Oriel Park, Perth has the respect of the players and would be a popular appointment. Although he is believed to have held talks with the club already, the fact that he doesn’t possess a Uefa pro licence could prove to be a problem and he would need special dispensation from the FAI.
2. Mick Neville
A League of Ireland legend who enjoyed spells at Shelbourne, Derry City, Shamrock Rovers, Drogheda United and Home Farm, Neville has plenty of coaching experience at underage level and currently manages Dundalk’s U19s. Crucially, he also holds a Uefa pro licence and an arrangement involving both him and Perth has been touted.
3. Keith Long
The Dubliner has done an excellent job at Bohemians on a shoe-string budget, and narrowly missed out on a place in this year’s FAI Cup final. He and his assistant Trevor Croly only signed a new three-year deal with Bohs last month so the Gypsies would be due compensation, but Long has already seen a number of his first-team players depart since the end of the season and the Dundalk job could be enticing.
4. Steve Staunton
One of Dundalk’s favourite sons, Stan is a legend in Irish football — although his uninspiring managerial career with the international team and at club level has tarnished his reputation somewhat. According to today’s Irish Daily Star, the ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa defender is keen to be considered for the role.
5. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
The ex-Dutch striker had a successful playing career with Leeds United, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Middlesbrough, before retiring in 2008. Having since managed Royal Antwerp, Burton Albion, Queens Park Rangers and Northampton Town, the 46-year-old has been linked with the position and he would undoubtedly bring a star quality to the League of Ireland.
6. Jim Magilton
Another man who has an impressive CV, the former midfielder has been in charge of Ipswich Town, Queens Park Rangers and Melbourne Victory, while he has also worked as Michael O’Neill’s assistant at Shamrock Rovers. The 49-year-old was most recently in charge of Northern Ireland’s U21s.
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