The Men Who Saved Football

Dundalk return to winning ways with a strong 2nd half performance against Longford Town which sees the Lilywhites score 3 without response with a brace from Dean Ebbe. Episode 185 also looks back at the Easter games which saw a win against Cobh but two disappointing draws against Treaty United and Finn Harps.

On a lunar like surface at the Belfield bowl Dundalk struggle to get their usual slick passing game going, but slog through a testing tie to emerge with all 3 points and another clean sheet after Leo Gaxha's second half goal. Ep 184 discusses the pitch battle with the students, LOI TVs technical difficulties and Ronan Finn's pantomime villain status as the Lilywhites consolidate their grip on the automatic promotion spot.

Despite stubborn 1st half resistance from a well organised Wexford, Dundalk FC cruise to victory with 3 second half goals which featured a Leo Gaxha brace and a stunning stroke by full back Sean Keogh. With Cobh Ramblers late defeat in Bray, Dundalk take a 5 point lead at the top of the table are become the only unbeaten team in the division. Ep 183 discusses divisional dominance, prospects for promotion, pitches, and club and supporters group relations.

Despite international call ups forcing Ciaran Kilduff to reinforce the back 4 with two midfielders and introduce more inexperienced teenagers to the first team Dundalk FC continue to play attractive football and get results as they come from behind to earn a win against Longford Town in a game the Lilywhites statistically dominated. Ep 182 discusses the emergence of an exciting young side and speculates on a possible bright future. We also reminisce on the 1995 League winning campaign and how it might be remembered on its 30 anniversary,

After last weeks shock concession of two late goals Dundalk get back to winnings ways by blitzing Bray with 3 goals in the opening 30 minutes. As the Lilywhites consolidate their position at the top of the table with Ciaran Kilduff's young squad playing very attractive football episode 181 beings to dream of a swift return to the top flight.

A confident Dundalk looked set to continue their perfect start to the season establishing a 2 goal lead on the 80th minute of a game they looked comfortable in throughout. However a goalkeeping error invites a previously inert Treaty United into the game and ultimately sees the Lilywhite lose their defensive composure and concede 2 late goals in a game they should have won. Episode 180 discusses if this is a mere blip or signs of worrying frailties amongst the squad.

Ciarán Kilduff's young guns hit the road and return with a maximum points thanks to two 0 - 1 victories over Finn Harps and Kerry. In similar displays Dundalk defend first half leads with the youthful defense absorbing plenty of pressure from the home sides. Dundalk's first visit to Kerry is all the more impressive given the Lilywhites emerge with 3 points despite playing over 60 mins reduced to 10 men after Leo Gaxha's red card.

Dundalk emerge from last season's existential crisis to begin the season on the front foot with a promising win over Athlone Town in front of a packed Oriel Park. Ep 178 discusses Ciarán Kilduff's new look and very youthful side first league outing, We also discuss the role of John Temple is navigating the club through a rocky closed season and the spectacular, if controversial, pyrotechnics display and march to Oriel organised by an effervescent SSA.

As the season reaches its conclusion Ep 177 reviews Dundalk's clashes with Shamrock Rovers and Drogheda Utd, casting an eye over what players might form the foundation of next year's first division campaign, and what manager might lead us next season. We also discuss the launch meeting of the Dundalk FC Supporters Trust, the nascent 1903 membership scheme and the dilemma faced by both fans groups as they strive for greater fan involvement within a model of ownership where the proposition of greater fan involvement has been thus far coolly received.

Dundalk's drift to relegation reaches its conclusion as defeat to Derry City confirms the surrender of the Lilywhites Premier Division status. While fans stay after the final whistle to support the devastated squad the chaos off field intensifies as a post match confrontation between current and former owners becomes national news. Ep 176 also discusses the emergence of two rival fan membership schemes what their objectives are in a week where owner John Temple dismissed the notion of fan involvement in boardroom decisions.

Eoin Kenny's late late goal earns the Lilywhites a point in the west to keep Dundalk FC's premier division status alive. Ep 175 discusses the slim but existent chances of survival, the generally poor standard of the league this year and the contradictory statements from the club and local media on whether players have been paid?

Despite a valiant effort Dundalk's inability to score in periods when they have the upper hand sees Bohemians take all 3 points at Oriel and all but confirm relegation. But even life in the first division would be welcome for a fanbase who remain in suspense as to whether the club will survive the financial debacle of another disastrous ownership. Ep 174 ask what is the plan for survival? What steps should be taken now to address the clubs financial woes, and will fans get a seat at the boardroom table to protect the club from run amok owners?

In a week that saw Dundalk FC come close to extinction prior to the life support takeover of the club by John Temple, episode 173 discusses the need for more voices in the boardroom, asks if the new owner will be open to fan representation on the board, discusses the move to a fan based model, the narrow defeat against Sligo Rovers in the Showgrounds and the growing shadow of relegation.

Defeat in Waterford and the looming spectre of relegation suddenly seems minor affairs as Dundalk FC's financial difficulties swiftly degenerate into a full blown existential crisis as rumours circulate or imminent bankruptcy and the possible winding up of the club. Is the end of Dundalk FC hours away or can the club endure this crisis as it has in the past? Episode 172 discusses

Ep 171 recaps the last months performances which saw a battling performance earn a point in the Brandywell, but Dundalk failing to build on that with two home defeats against Shelbourne and St Patrick's Athletic as defensive frailties surface again and crucial chances go unconverted. We also discuss off field affairs with rumors of another takeover amidst media reports of unpaid wages as the team heads into the final 7 matches in a battle for survival.

Boos ring out at the final whistle as a toothless Dundalk slump to a 2 - 0 home defeat to John Caulfield's Galway Utd. Basic errors at the back and an inability to create or convert chances are evident again. With Drogheda's draw with Bohemians further eroding Dundalk lead of their neighbours, fans face an anxious few week to see if the Lilywhites slump in form can be arrested.

Dundalk earn a valuable point on the road against struggling Bohemians. However with Drogheda winning against Waterford cutting the 5 point relegation cushion to 3 between the Louth clubs Ep 169 anxiously asks, with its tendency to concede goals much more easily that it scores them, does Dundalk's current squad looks like one that could go down?

In stark contrast to last weeks vital league victory, Dundalk slump to a first round cup exit against neighbours Drogheda Utd. Old flaws surfaces again as a lacklustre display sees the Lilywhites fail to create many goal scoring chances while gifting the Drogs a brace due to defensive errors. Focus now shifts to maintaining and perhaps extending the league lead over Drogheda and ensuring it is them, and not Dundalk who face the drop to division 1.

Jon Daly's transfer window moves come up trumps as Dundalk FC's new look team puts 4 past Drogheda Utd to earn a crucial victory in a relegation 6 pointer. With new recruit Jad Hakiki at the heart of a more incisive Dundalk attack the Lilywhites look capable of maintain their 5 point cushion over the basement club thereby banishing the spectre of automatic relegation for now. As the dust settles on a crucial league win Dundalk now face an immediate return to Drogheda for a FAI Cup clash

Dundalk's failure to convert chances surfaces again as Shamrock Rovers emerge victorious by the only goal in a evenly matched encounter. As Jon Daly oversees a frenetic transfer window Dundalk face into Friday's crucial relegation Derby with a much changed squad as the battle for the playoff slot intensifies. Episode 166 discusses the impact of the departures of proven defenders and the underperformance of our attack as the Lilywhites seek to avoid relegation in a season with many self inflicted blows.

Ep 165 catches up on Dundalk's clashes with Shelbourne, Sligo Rovers and Waterford which yielded 2 defeats and 1 victory. Dundalk remain 3 point ahead of bottom side Drogheda Utd and with other teams pulling away the two Louth clubs look set to battle it out in the basement for the remainder of the season, with Jon Daly needing to find replacements for the departing Zak Bradshaw and Zak Johnston ahead of the visit of Drogheda to Oriel park.

Dundalk enjoy a great bank holiday week with a hard fought draw against Derry City and a stunning victory in Richmond Park. New manager Jon Daly impact begins to show on the pitch as Jamie Gullen, unlucky not to score against Derry, ends his goal drought with a stunning brace against Pats with Ryan O'Kane also on the score sheet. 4 point from 6 sees Dundalk move off the foot of the table as they head to Tolka Park for a clash with table toppers Shelbourne

After the high of last week's victory over Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk come back to earth with a bump as Galway once again proves to be a difficult away day. Despite a bright opening, defensive frailties tip the game in Galway's favour as the bad habits of the later O'Donnell era manifest again to see Dundalk go 90 minutes without registering a shot on goal. New Boss Jon Daly has his work cut out as Dundalk remain rooted to the bottom of the table

A rollercoaster week sees Brian Gartland leave the club to be followed by recently appointed manager Noel King. The end of King's short lived reign opens an opportunity for the return of Golden Era boss Stephen Kenny, hopes which are swiftly dashed by his arrival at St Patrick's Athletic. Managerless Dundalk conclude a crazy week with a injury time winner over Shamrock Rovers.

The crisis deepens at Oriel park as Dundalk begin the week with a record 10 match ban for Goalkeeper George Shelvey for comments made to the referee after the Louth Derby and concludes with a timid performance in the south east which sees Waterford put 4 past the Lilywhites once again porous defence. The weekend concludes with an open letter from fans calling for Noel King's dismissal followed promptly by the departure of Brian Gartland. Episode 161 discusses.

A spirited Dundalk match league leaders Shelbourne but ultimately fail to turn possession into goals leaving the Oriel clash with the league leaders as a 0-0 stalemate. A promising start to the weekend ends deflatingly with a very damaging defeat to 10 man Drogheda United. Jethren Barr's 76 minute dismissal followed by Jamie Gullen's set piece equaliser had the Lilywhites in the driving seat only for Drogheda to steal the points from an injury time free kick leaving Dundalk rooted to the bottoms of the table.

New boss Noel King enjoys a dream debut as a rejuvenated Dundalk play with an energy and dynamism conspicuous only by its absence on previous outings this season. The formerly shot shy Lilywhites pepper the Bohemians goal with attempts on target and score two high quality goal. A Zak Johnston inspired defence keeps Bohs at bay while George Shelvey's penalty save makes it a great personal revival for the keeper after a difficult start to his Dundalk career. The Lilywhites now face a crucial weekend with games against Shelbourne and relegation rivals Drogheda Utd.

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.

The optimism kindled by an opening day point in Tallaght evaporates with a home defeat to John Caulfield's newly promoted Galway Utd. The revenge mission for last year's humbling cup defeat fails to materialise as Galway establish a 2 nil lead in the open 30 minutes which they comfortably defend for the remaining hour of play. Dundalk now move on to next Friday's clash with Bohs, with fans wondering which Dundalk team will turn up in Dalymount?

Optimism is kindled by a opening day draw away to champions Shamrock Rovers. After a closed season of radical changes on and off the field Stephen O'Donnell's new look Dundalk impress with a discipline and dogged display that limits Rovers to one shot on goal. With 11 new arrivals providing intense competition for places all eyes now turn to the first home fixture of the season against Galway Utd.

Ep 150 discusses the comings and goings at Oriel over the closed season and asks if fans can expect a stronger squad as a result. We discuss Stephen O'Donnell's gamble on allowing club legend Patrick Hoban's depart to Derry City and speculate on the logic behind the decision. We also discuss first impressions of the incoming members of the squad as seen in their Leinster Cup campaign

With European football still a possibility on the final day Dundalk do what they have to against UCD and score a comprehensive win, but the hope kindled by Drogheda Utd's 2 goal half time lead over Shelbourne dissipates as the dire Drogs self destruct in the second half to see the Lilywhites conclude the campaign in 5th position. Ep 149 looks back and a frustrating season and the subsequent media reports indicating an Oriel exit for talismanic striker Patrick Hoban

Dundalk find form on the field with an away win against struggling Sligo Rovers and a home victory to leapfrog Bohemians and keep the slimmest of Euro qualification chances alive. Off the field speculation about a change of ownership intensifies and manager Stephen O'Donnell hits out at negative narratives surrounding the club.

Despite European football still being up for grabs Dundalk slump to a 1 - 0 defeat in Tolka Park in a lacklustre display in which the Lilywhites fail to muster a single shot on goal. As the curtain falls on Dundalk's competitive season Ep 147 reflects on an underwhelming campaign, if the solution to our defensive woe's require new signings and asks what can Dundalk fans can do to emulate the fundraising efforts of other clubs

Dundalk complete a clean sweep of Louth derbys this season, coming from behind to beat Drogheda Utd 3 - 1 in Oriel Park to secure a second win of the week. Paul Doyle shines in midfield, scoring the equaliser and combining well with Yli-Kokko and Robbie Benson to win the midfield battle, while Daniel Kelly and Patrick Hoban also find the net. Ep 146 also discusses Greg Sloggett's new role in the heart of defence and asks if Dundalk can keep the European dream alive with victory over Shelbourne next week?

After the trauma of Galway's cup exit Dundalk faced into a double fixture weekend with confidence at a low ebb. An much improved first half in Richmond Park gave signs for encouragement before defensive fragilities surfaced again in the second half with Pats taking the 3 points. However confidence should improve after Monday's 5 nil hammering of Cork, as Dundalk take a good performance and clean sheet into next Friday's Louth derby. In Ep 145 we ask, is the race for Europe still on?

Dundalk crash out of the FAI Cup in a mauling by 1st Division leaders Galway Utd. The Lilywhites concede 3 goals in the first 30 minutes and then fail to mount a response in the remaining hour of play. Ep 144 discusses the questions this exceptionally poor performance raises about the squad, management, ownership and future direction of the club.

Dundalk slump to a home defeat to Derry City as Oriel Old Boy Will Patching returns to haunt his former club with 2 goals and an assist. While defensive frailties are on display again Dundalk do dominate possession and create a plethora of chances but fail to convert until an injury time penalty as the Derry goal enjoys a charmed night.

Dundalk emerge pointless from Tallaght again as a Roberto Lopes goal proves the winner in a game where the Lilywhites created chances but failed to convert. As European qualification hangs in the balance ep 142 discusses if the Lilywhites squad has the necessary depth and quality, or is the lottery of the FAI Cup the only route to European Competition next year?

Dundalk overcome Bray Wanderers to proceed to the 1/4 finals of the FAI Cup in a rain soaked Carlisle Grounds. Daryl Horgan's first goal since his return to the club is enough to see of the Seagulls. A Connor Malley first half penalty miss and a Daniel Kelly's 73rd minute effort which was cleared off the line are the only other major moments in a game where the elements didn't favour flowing football. As Derry City exit the competition at the hands of St Pats, Dundalk will now see the Cup as the most feasible route into European Football.

At first glance 4 points from 2 games against Shelbourne and Sligo Rovers should have Dundalk fans content, but as the race for European Qualification intensifies fans will remain concerned about defensive fragility of a team that conceded too easily and struggles to create chances. Ep 140 asks if Dundalk's current struggles are a temporary dip in form or a reflection of more deeply rooted issues.

With a mountain to climb after the 1st leg, Dundalk's defensive frailties surface again as visitors KA weather initial pressure before taking an early lead at Oriel Park. Despite goals from Greg Sloggett and John Martin the Lilywhites fail to find the quality to put KA under real pressure as the Icelanders maintain a 2 goal cushion for the majority of the tie. Focus now returns to upcoming crucial league games as the race for European football next season intensifies.

Defeat by KA in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League prompts a reflection on where Dundalk and the wider League of Ireland currently lies in the European pecking order and the factors which have seen the league go backwards in recent years regarding European competitiveness. While Stephen O'Donnell remains confident the tie is very much alive the Lilywhites face a tough, though not impossible task, to overcome a 2 goal deficit and earn a lucrative place in the next round.

Dundalk prevail in the FAI Cup first round against reigning Champions Shamrock Rovers in a display of immense grit and character. Despite having to endure over an hour with a man disadvantage the Lilywhites manage to protect Hayden Muller's first half goal to enter the hat for the next round in a morale boosting win prior to their midweek trip to Iceland. Ep 137 reflects on the a great day for Stephen O'Donnell's men in a week where things could get even better.

Dundalk see off the challenge of FCB Magpies with a 3-1 home victory to secure over €500,000 in prize money and a place in the next round against Icelandic 9th place side KA. With success in the first round and a winnable tie in the 2nd, Dundalk fans should be on a high, but Ep 136 is a somewhat downcast podcast, as questions remain regarding the quality of the display against minnow opposition as Dundalk face into a season defining week.

Episode 135 catches up on Dundalk FC's recent action with discussion of our Win, Lose and Draw combination against Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and FCB Magpies. We also look at the relatively underwhelming performances of other Irish teams in Europe in the first leg ties and who's likely to progress after this weeks matches. We also ask if the solution to our defensive midfield frailties might be sitting on the subs bench in the form of the recently returned Mayowa Animasahun?