When it comes to Dundalk and starting the season off with a bang it has usually been the case of a dim shine than a bright light. Dundalk has been known to be perennial slow starters to a league season before a key result ignites their season into life. Out of all the seasons to follow the same mantra this year is not the one to do so.
A quick-fire start is what is needed for Shane Keegan and his side as they head to Sligo hoping to collect three points and more importantly a statement of intent as the opening season of the SSE Airtricity League like the daffodils that are scattered along the N16 begin to show their faces.
Dundalk’s last game of the season was against the Bit O’Red in a contest that saw the Lilywhites blow out a collective sigh of relief at the final whistle. If results had not gone their way, Dundalk who was in the midst of a Europa League campaign at the time could have faced the prospect of a season out of Europe had fortunes had not smiled on them.
Monetary factors aside it would have been a difficult question to answer for Dundalk’s owners as to how their team side who have competed in Europe since 2014 was now in an European abyss.
The delight at the final whistle of the Sligo players that cold night in November was met by a Dundalk side who used the very result as a means to improve overall performances in their latter games of their season.
Liam Buckley took a swipe at Dundalk’s managerial debate this week in a situation that despite clarification does not seem to be going away anytime soon.
Despite assertations that Shane Keegan is now the manager of the side, the Sligo boss is under no illusion as to who is Dundalk’s boss.
“The management side of things and juggling around, I think we all know there is one person who runs things there,” Buckley stated at a press meeting this week.
“He has made the group stage and qualified again last year, they won the Cup, so we’re not going to be fooled into thinking anything other than he runs things there.”
Patrick Hoban knows the challenge that Dundalk face at the Showgrounds, it hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Dundalk as they suffered a tough defeat last season at the Sligo venue amid the changing of the guard with John Gill and Alan Reynolds taking on the managerial reigns following the dismissal of Vinny Perth.
“Every time we go down there it’s a tough night for us, I can never remember coming out of a game against Sligo especially at the Showgrounds thinking Jesus that was easy but we have been preparing really well so I am really looking forward to get going”
“To be honest I think they are better than last year going bye personnel we definitely have our work cut out for ourselves we have to go down there confident, play our game and come out with three points because we want to start well this year.”
Dundalk will have Sonni Nattestad who, despite getting a red card last week in the Presidents Cup, will be clear to play before heading off on international duty with the Faroe Islands. Raivis Jurkovskis is another player set for international duty with Latvia so they will be set to make their league debuts before heading off to represent their countries.
Sean Murray, Brian Gartland, Ole Erik Midtskogen and Michael Duffy are doubts for the match while Patrick Hoban’s return to action last week means the Loughrea native could get the nod to lead the line ahead of David McMillan.
Sligo Rovers have made six new acquisitions to the squad in the close season, the bit of red welcome back Richard Brush and Romeo Parkes for their fourth and second spells at the club respectively.
Sligo has a clean bill of health heading into the game. Greg Bolger is a key signing for Sligo as he has been part of both Cork City and Shamrock Rovers sides who have thwarted Dundalk in the past.
The former Lilywhite himself will be looking to mark his Sligo debut with a win over his former club. Ryan De Vries joined training from Wednesday following the end of his quarantine period.
Ciaran Callan
Ciaran Callan is a part-time sports journalist based in Dundalk, Co. Louth. He has more than 10 year’s experience working with media companies including both extensive radio broadcasting experience along with print and digital media reporting for the SSE Airtricity League as well digital media work with the national sports company eirSport. He joined FinalWhistle in February 2021 as is their main correspondent for Dundalk Football Club.