Sean McCaffrey has been given the responsibility of guiding Dundalk FC’s fortunes after being unveiled as new manager of Dundalk FC prior to Christmas.
The 52-year-old Monaghan native is one of the country’s most high profile managers at underage level and will be hoping to continue a successful career at Oriel Park after taking over from Ian Foster.
McCaffrey will benefit from the assistance of Darius Kierans who worked under Foster at Oriel, along with local man, John Whyte, who was part of the famous 2002 FAI Cup winning team.
The new manager is well aware of the challenges that face club over the coming year, but he is looking forward to the job.
“There will be obstacles during the year for all clubs and all teams, but I think it’s very important that we all stick together in it. The club is the most important thing. I’m going to give it my best shot. I’m going to play a style of football that I believe in. I don’t believe in negative, cautious football. I believe in letting young players develop and express themselves. We may not have a big budget but there is more to football life than big budgets.
“Players need to see that you’re committed to them, that you’re trying to help them improve, that you’re trying to help them achieve, and that you’re loyal to them. When I’m in there, I’m not working for the player against the club, I’m trying to make sure we’re all working together, and I’d like the players to understand that. It’s a very exciting time for me”, he said.
Dundalk FC General Manager Paul Johnston has spoken of his “delight” at the appointment of the club’s new management team, Seán McCaffrey,
“Seán, from very early in the interview process, showed a desire and a hunger for football. He lives and breathes football, which you can see from him talking about training five days a week. It may be a part-time setup but it will be very much a full-time approach for Seán, his management team and players.
