Dundalk takeover due Monday as new owner targets Europe

Dundalk’s new owner, Irish-born US businessman Brian Ainscough, is targeting a return to European competition for the club as the initial target of his investment.

The final stages of his takeover from the current custodians, StatsSports owners Sean O’Connor and Alan Clarke along with Andy Connolly, are due to be finalised on Monday morning as Ainscough switches his interest from Kerry to Louth.

The Boston-based entrepreneur visited Oriel Park last week and is making another transatlantic visit this week for a series of meeting, including with Stephen O’Donnell.

The manager recently expressed his eagerness to have clarity over his playing budget for 2024, frustrated at the delays that caused a late start to his recruitment and retention plans last year.

O’Donnell guided the Lilywhites back to the UEFA Conference League in his first season at the helm, only to marginally miss out in the campaign just completed.

Ainscough, also chief executive of Boston Bolts, the US League Two club with a player membership of 2000 across the state of Massachusetts, is aware of the challenge he’s taken on.

Despite a glorious period between 2014 and 2020 when the club won five leagues, three FAI Cups and reached the Europa League group stages, they have been hamstrung by infrastructural deficits.

Their home venue, referred to by former manager Stephen Kenny as ‘bloody Oriel Park’ is antiquated and they have no proper training ground.

American hedge fund, Peak 6, unashamedly prioritised the maintenance of on-pitch success when they assumed control in early 2018 but even that descended into farce as chairman Bill Hulsizer, son of the company owner Matt, attempted to impose some of his bizarre concepts on the team and staff.

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