Dundalk have confirmed that Stephen O'Donnell has been sacked as manager, on the back of a poor start to the 2024 SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division season.
The Lilywhites have failed to win a game this season with just three draws in eight matches. They are four points off ninth place Drogheda United and seven from overall safety, after a 4-1 defeat away to Derry City on Friday night.
"Dundalk FC can confirm that Stephen O'Donnell has been relieved of his duties as head coach," said a statement issued by the Louth club.
"The club has also parted ways with assistant manager Patrick Cregg. We would like to thank Stevie and Padge for their efforts over the past two-and-a-half years."
O'Donnell returned to the club after winning the FAI Cup with St Patrick's Athletic in 2021, controversially walking out on the Saints just days after lifting the trophy.
Dundalk FC can confirm that Stephen O'Donnell has been relieved of his duties as head coach.
— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) April 8, 2024
The club has also parted ways with assistant manager Patrick Cregg.
We would like to thank Stevie and Padge for their efforts over the past two-and-a-half years.
Ownership issues have hindered O'Donnell, with the transition from PEAK6 to a local consortium in 2022, and to Brian Ainscough in 2023.
"This has been a very difficult decision to make," said Ainscough on the decision to part ways with O'Donnell.
"Stephen is, and always will be, a legendary figure at Dundalk FC and is a very talented young coach but football is a results business and, regrettably, our disappointing start to the season has led to this conclusion.
"Stephen and Patrick have worked tirelessly to improve the club over the past two-and-a-half years and I would like to thank both of them for their commitment, dedication and enthusiasm.
"I wish both of them the very best of luck in their future endeavours and they will always be welcome at Oriel Park."
O'Donnell said: "It's obviously a very sad day for myself and Padge. I love Dundalk FC and I love the town so much.
"We always wanted what was the best for Dundalk FC and we worked tirelessly to try and do that.
"I'm proud of our achievements over the past two years, qualifying for Europe and going close again last season.
"The way I left it with Brian was very amicable and I think the club is in really good hands going forward.
"I have no doubt that the players and staff will get the club out of the position they’re in."
The results have been particularly hurtful as this round of home fixtures were in theory the easier for Dundalk against Galway United, Sligo Rovers, Waterford FC and Drogheda United.
They failed to score in any of those matches at Oriel Park, conceding seven goals and accumulating just two points.
Dundalk have also confirmed that first-team coach Liam Burns and head of football operations Brian Gartland will take charge of the team on an interim basis while the search for a new appointment takes place.
Next up for Dundalk is a home meeting with St Pat's on Friday, before a rearranged trip to Bohemians on Monday of next week.
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