When the new Dundalk manager makes his entrance from the decrepit Oriel Park tunnel on Friday, he doesn’t expect a royal reception.
Noel King’s name is synonymous with Irish football for almost 50 years but he wasn’t the saviour Lilywhites fans craved nor approved of when news of his imminent arrival broke late on Friday night.
Although he’s 67, the new boss is not immune to the critical reception his appointment has provoked.
Perhaps it’s the cringey video snippets of his TV dealings with Tony O’Donoghue – whom he was interviewed by yesterday – or Áine O’Gorman, the centurion he blooded as Ireland women’s manager, but the mention of his name generates a polarising effect.
He could even jokingly dismiss being stereotyped as Bovril – “that’s complimentary because Bovril is sold all over the world “– but before he’s truly assessed by the home faithful, a painful introduction awaits approaching kick-off time against Bohemians.
“I would imagine it will be mixed,” he confessed about the anticipated welcome, reflecting the derision in the local Louth air.
“But I'd be shocked if they start booing. I think anybody who wants the club to do well will say 'give that man a chance'.
“That’s the way modern life is, isn’t it? It seems to be, anyway. You can say anything you want. That’s been going on for a while.”
The personal insults which have flowed on social media he can tolerate because he’s oblivious to them; it’s his family who peek through cyberspace to see the temperature gauge ice-cold.
Already up against the wall before a ball is kicked and looking up the table, he knows what the only way out is. The motivation rages too.
“I'm not on Twitter so it doesn’t make any difference to me but I’m the only one who’s getting
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