The Men Who Saved Football The Men Who Saved Football

A seismic week at Oriel Park as veteran Noel King is announced as the shock replacement for Stephen O'Donnell as Dundalk's new manager. Meanwhile the Lilywhites take 1 point from 6 on the road with defeat to Bohs and a 1-1 draw to Sligo Rovers as chances and goals remain at a premium. EP 158 looks for the positives in King's appointment, discusses the understandable negative reaction of fans and give an honest assessment of the veteran coach's probability of success.

An eventful week in Oriel Park see's Stephen O'Donnell's reign come to an end as the former Captain is relieved of his duties as manager. Under the caretaker management of Brain Gartland and Liam Burns the Lilywhites show improved energy and endeavour  to earn a 0 - 0 draw against St Patricks Athletic. Ep 157 discusses the highs and lows of O'Donnell's time in charge and who are the front runners to replace him as Dundalk look to climb off the foot of the table.

Dundalk's nightmare start to the season continues with another heavy defeat on the road against Derry City. Without a win in their opening 8 games Dundalk begin brightly before conceding a series of soft goal as Derry stroll to an easy victory. A late Ryan O'Kane consolation repeats a now familiar pattern. Ep 156 discusses where things have gone wrong for Stephen O'Donnell and asks if he is the man to turn it around.

Dundalk's sluggish start to the season continues as an initially promising display against table topping Shelbourne comes undone with the concession of 2 second half goals leaving Robbie Benson's injury time header a mere consolation, while Monday's Louth derby see's the Lilywhites again fail to register a goal against second from bottom Drogheda. As pressure grows on Stephen O'Donnell Dundalk next head North to face Derry City spearheaded by ex talisman Patrick Hoban.

Dundalk steady the ship with the first clean sheet of the season to earn a point in a goalless draw with newly promoted Waterford. With keeper Ross Munro making several saves and debutant Zak Johnson combining well with Louie Annesley there are some signs of improvement in a hitherto porous defence, but the inability to convert chances at the other end of the pitch continues to be a concern as the Lilywhites prepare for two tough games on the bank holiday weekend.

Dundalk fail to respond to an opening home defeat against Galway and suffer a nightmare performance against Sligo Rovers. In an echo of last season's Cup capitulation Sligo settle the contest in the first 30 mins by taking advantage of a series of unforced errors in Dundalk's creaky defence with the Lilywhites failing to muster a response for the remainder of the game. Despite improvement from the low point of Monday, Friday's clash with St Pats also ends in defeat as Dundalk's defence fails to deal with a routine long ball over the top as pressure grows on manager Stephen O'Donnell.