Jon Daly has been officially unveiled as the new Dundalk manager after the announcement last week that he would be taking over at Oriel Park.
In the latest twist to a madcap League of Ireland season, Daly was confirmed as Dundalk boss last Thursday, just 16 days after his sacking from St. Pat's. During his time in Inchicore, the former Ireland underage striker built up a strong rapport with the Saints faithful, helped massively by an FAI Cup final victory over Bohemians last November.
After taking over from Tim Clancy early on the 2023 season, Daly also helped to ensure that St. Pat's pushed Shamrock Rovers all the way in the Premier Division title race, eventually finishing third behind the Hoops and Derry City.
However, this campaign started poorly and after picking up just five wins in their opening 15 games, Daly was replaced by former Ireland boss Stephen Kenny.
Daly has often spoken openly about the sacrifices he makes to coach in Ireland, with his family living across the water in Scotland, and it was something he referenced again on Monday.
12 November 2023; St Patrick's Athletic manager Jon Daly celebrate with the FAI Cup after the Sports Direct FAI Cup Final between Bohemians and St Patrick's Athletic at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Jon Daly: "All the Pat's stuff will go in the bin."
Speaking to reporters, Daly explained how he spent the brief spell of time off he had between the two roles and in doing so, confirmed that his family have changed their preferred colours from red and white to black and white.
"I was disappointed to leave St Pat’s, nobody wants to lose their job, but my silver lining was ‘right, I’m going home to my family, I’m going to spend time with my kids, I’ve missed a lot of them growing up’.
“So I spent a lot of time with them, picking the kids up from school, dropping them to school, bringing them to training, a lot of the stuff that other parents get to a daily, weekly basis and then obviously this opportunity comes up.
“It's something we need to manage but I am fortunate to have a very understanding wife and my kids are very resilient and resolute, they love football so they love sitting and watching the games on a Friday night.
“They were huge St Pat's fans and now they are Dundalk fans, I'll need to get them the jerseys and all the Pat's stuff will go in the bin."
📷 New manager Jon Daly, pictured at a press conference in Oriel Park this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/XEvUsbUp48
— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) May 27, 2024
St. Pat's and Dundalk to face off on June 3rd
St. Pat's haven't been faring two well under Daly's successor, with Kenny picking up just one point from his opening three games, and tensions are sure to be high when Daly takes his new side to Richmond Park on Bank Holiday Monday.
Before that, Daly and Dundalk will welcome Derry City to Oriel Park on Friday night.
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