League of Ireland strugglers Dundalk sprang a surprise last week with their appointment of former interim Ireland manager Noel King.
Giants of Irish soccer in the 2010s, Dundalk racked up five Premier Division titles in six seasons but those successes feel a long time ago after a dire start to the current season.
The Lilywhites were rooted to the bottom of the league table after a dreadful run of results which saw them claim just five draws from the opening eleven fixtures.
Club legend and widely regarded head coach Stephen O'Donnell would depart Oriel Park during the winless run, with the side looking destined for the drop.
Dan McDonnell of the Irish Independent reported that club officials had been in contact with a variety of candidates for the job before realising that owner Brian Ainscough had turned to King for help.
King has history with Ainscough, having coached him during his playing days with Home Farm.
Still, he admitted that he was as surprised as anyone else when approached by his former student for the job most famously held by Stephen Kenny.
"Brian approached me. My instant reaction was ‘I’m delighted you rang’ – I’d love the job'," King said following his appointment.
"I have to pass it by Marie my wife, that gave me a few minutes to think about it. (It was) All in the space of an hour or two, that’s all.
"I didn’t apply. It was 100 percent unexpected. I saw the number and thought maybe… it was very, very quick."
King's appointment drew a strong reaction from fans of the league, considering he had not coached a Premier Division side in over 20 years.
The veteran coach - who has achieved recent title successes in charge of Shelbourne's Women's team - however, has made the perfect start to his latest chapter.
Noel King era starts with win against Bohemians
His first fixture in the role saw his side welcome the challenge of Bohemians - who had been flying high this season - at Oriel Park.
However, despite the Gypsies running out 1-0 winners against Dundalk last week, they would upset the odds with Scott High and Robbie Benson on target in a 2-0 win on Friday night.
High Flyer
DUN 1-0 BOH #LOITV | @DundalkFC pic.twitter.com/U9gDTjKCJS— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) April 26, 2024
James Akintunde had a chance to get Bohs back in the fixture with a penalty but failed and Dundalk claimed their first league victory at the 12th attempt.
The win still leaves them at the bottom of the table, although they have gained ground on most of the pack with the three points.
"I really did enjoy it," King told LOITV after the game.
'To get two goals - I think we haven't scored here in Oriel? - so that is another nice little package.
🎙️ "Full marks to Brian Gartland and Liam Burns."
New Dundalk manager Noel King is happy to share the credit after securing the win on his first night in charge. #LOITV | #DUNBOH pic.twitter.com/Di5TQXOZCT— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) April 26, 2024
"I thought the lads were fantastic from the off and really went at them and performed well, scored two goals and could have had more. Full marks to them, I thought they were fantastic."
When it was put to King that Dundalk's next fixture will be at Oriel Park against his former employers he replied with a smile.
"Shelbourne is it? Oh I forgot we are on video! Delete that will ya!?"
The win over Bohs is a real boost for Dundalk but victory against Shelbourne - who are still top of the league after returning to winning ways - would be an even greater statement under King.
