Jim Magilton confirmed as Dundalk's new Sporting Director

Magilton will leave his role as Elite Performance Director at the Irish FA, which he has held since 2013, to join up with the Oriel Park club.

Magilton will work alongside Italian manager Filippo Giovagnoli, who replaced Vinny Perth in the hot seat, who was dismissed following Dundalk’s exit from Europe in the first qualifying round of the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League.

The Lily Whites failed to defend the league title but they did qualify for the group stages of the Europa League.

They also won the FAI Cup for a twelfth time with a 4-2 win over league winners Shamrock Rovers after extra time last Sunday.

Dundalk will be keen to mount a title push again next season and they see Magilton in playing a key role in the process.

The 51-year-old is understood to be heading up the recruitment process at Oriel Park as part of the role given his experience and contacts.

The former Southampton and Ipswich Town midfielder has impressed in his role with the IFA.

During his successful tenure at the Association’s Academy a number of young players have made the move across the water. Magilton previously managed Ipswich Town and QPR.

He was one of five candidates to be interviewed to succeed Michael O’Neill as Northern Ireland manager in June.

Magilton's departure does leaves a huge void for the IFA to fill.

It will be one of a number of positions to be filled alongside manager for the Northern Ireland under 17 and under 19 teams.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Irish and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Thank you,

Alistair Bushe

Editor