They say a week is a long time in football, two weeks an eternity. The League of Ireland had two seasons worth of news stories crammed into the last fortnight.
Some very worthy news stories didn't get the attention they deserved due to the managerial changes which culminated in Dundalk appointing Jon Daly as their new manager.
If you told me this day four weeks ago after St Pat's beat Drogheda 1-0 in Richmond Park, that tonight, Jon Daly would already be one week into being the Dundalk manager - well, you would have given me any odds I asked.
As Ireland’s very own super fan, John Dodge once rightly phrased it – It’s the Greatest League in the World.
The decision to bring in Daly highlights Dundalk's urgent need for improvement and effective leadership amid a turbulent period. This appointment is particularly unexpected given the club’s recent turmoil.
Only a short time ago, Dundalk was embroiled in controversy following the brief and heavily criticised appointment of Noel King. King’s appointment was widely seen as unconventional and indicative of deeper issues within the club’s operations.
A bad start to the season along with a series of off-field missteps has left Dundalk languishing at the bottom of the league table, seven points off eighth place, three points off Drogheda who sit in ninth.
The reason I consider this appointment particularly unexpected is because I believe it is an excellent decision by the club. Brian Ainscough had to get this appointment right as it’s crucial to implement the necessary changes needed to keep the club in the Premier Division.
Dundalk’s precarious position requires immediate and impactful changes, especially as they approach the crucial July transfer window. I have previously written about Dundalk’s potential, noting how their performances, even in defeat, showed glimpses of promise.
With the right recruitment in the upcoming window and minor adjustments on the pitch, I firmly believe they can escape the relegation zone. Daly’s appointment could be the clever move Dundalk desperately needs.
His track record, especially during the second half of last season when he took over at St. Patrick's Athletic, speaks volumes.
By the end of the 2023 season, he had kept St Pats in a title race until the last couple of games of the season and went on to win the FAI Cup while remarkably finishing the game with four teenagers on the pitch, showing the faith he has in his young players.
Notably, Daly had the best points per game ratio in the 2023 campaign since he took over the job.
This second-half surge is precisely what Dundalk need to emulate if they are to survive this season. Daly will need to get the best out of senior players like Andy Boyle, Daryl Horgan, John Mountney and Robbie Benson. Their experience and leadership on the pitch will be crucial.
Furthermore, addressing Dundalk’s goal-scoring woes must be a priority. Despite criticisms of Galway’s scoring record this season, they have still managed to score four more goals than Dundalk, including two in a recent 2-0 victory over them.
Adding firepower to the squad will be essential for Daly. Looking ahead, analysing fixtures to predict potential points is almost futile when every match is a battle for survival.
'With the right moves, being led by the right man, Dundalk can navigate their way to safety'
However, Dundalk’s home form could be their saving grace. They haven’t lost at home in their last six games, an impressive record considering their overall struggles.
Utilizing their home advantage, particularly on what is the worst pitch in the Premier Division, can become their silver lining.
Tonight’s match against Derry City, whose away form has been inconsistent, presents an immediate opportunity to start this resurgence. Dundalk’s next five games leading into the window are critical.
Upcoming away games at St Pat's and Shelbourne will be tough but their home fixtures against Derry, Sligo Rovers, and Waterford will be pivotal.
A target of seven points from these home matches could provide the platform needed for a successful transfer window, bringing in reinforcements to bolster their squad.
These reinforcements, combined with Daly’s knack for late-season gains, could steer Dundalk clear of that dreaded relegation. The next few weeks will be crucial, in fact every week will be crucial, but with the right moves, being led by the right man, Dundalk can navigate their way to safety and begin rebuilding for a more stable future.
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
