Ainscough: 'From the moment the club started looking for a new manager, Noel was one of my top target'

Noel King has made a sensational return to the League of Ireland as the new manager of Dundalk on an 18-month contract.

The 67-year-old managed the Ireland women’s senior and U17 teams for a decade and the U21 side for eight years up to 2018 – as well as a brief stint as caretaker senior boss in 2013 - before leading Shelbourne’s women to the domestic double in 2022 and progression in the Champions League.

Most recently he returned to his alma mater, Home Farm, to spearhead their women’s section as first-team manager and director of football.

Dundalk have been on the lookout for a boss since relieving Stephen O’Donnell of his duties last Monday week after a winless start to the season.

They are still seeking a first win 11 games into the 2024 season, three points adrift at the foot of the table from Louth neighbours Drogheda United.

Although their last existence in the First Division was 2008, a major threat of relegation hovers, either automatically or through the second-from-bottom playoff route.

Cohesion among their various late signings, the bulk from the UK, has been slow, especially replacing goalkeeper of the year nominee Nathan Shepperd.

Friday’s 1-1 draw at Sligo Rovers was the third game taken charge of by interim duo Liam Burns and director of football operations Brian Gartland.

King spent two spells as a player at Dundalk but is best remembered for his decorated stints at Shamrock Rovers and Derry City, the latter as player-manager shortly after their entry into the League of Ireland.

He returned to Rovers, also as player-manager, before coaching spells at Waterford, Limerick, Bohemians, Shelbourne and Finn Harps in 2003, his last permanent involvement with a league club.

Dundalk’s success over the past