Stephen McDonnell takes up Academy role at Dundalk

McDonnell, who was in charge at Milltown for 20 months, will have full responsibility for the club’s underage set-up at Oriel Park.

A former player with Dundalk he made 61 appearances for the club between 2010 and 2013 before retiring from the game at the age of 22 because of a medical condition.

“Dundalk FC has been one of the most respected and successful clubs in the country and ambassadors for the League of Ireland in Europe and now is the time to ensure that our academy system follows suit,” McDonnell told the Dundalk FC website.

“I am proud to have played for my home town club but it also saddens me that I am one of the last from Dundalk to have pulled on that famous white jersey and ran out in front of a packed Shed at Oriel Park."

McDonnell was the League's youngest manager at just 27 when he took over at Warrenpoint in February 2018, initially on a temporary basis.

In his first full campaign in charge they also reached an Irish Cup semi-final, losing to Championship side Ballinamallard United.

But a run of 11 defeats in 12 games in the 2019-20 brought and end to his tenure.

In March 2020 he took up a role with the Irish FA working alongside Jim Magilton, who is now Sporting Director at Dundalk.

Magilton said: “I have known Stephen for a number of years and I have seen him work at the top end of the game and also at youth development level. I think this is the perfect appointment. He has a real connection and bond with the club and will undoubtedly help us with our aim to produce top-class players.”

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