McCaffrey quits as cash crisis at Dundalk deepens

Dundalk manager Sean McCaffrey has left the club.

McCaffrey admitted on Wednesday he had no idea how big the club’s financial troubles were, stating that he had to make even more cuts to get by.

“Many of my plans and initiatives, unfortunately, could not be realised at the club in an appropriate timeframe, and due to this I feel is it best we go our separate ways,” he said in a statement.

“I would like to thank all the players, coaching and administration staff for their efforts and cooperation during my time at the club and I wish them all the best for the rest of the season.”

Dundalk FC added: [The club] would like to thank Sean for his dedication, commitment and professional work ethic towards the role of first team manager at Dundalk FC. The unprecedented financial times have added significant pressures on the club and have curtailed many of the ambitious plans Sean had for the Dundalk.”

Assistant manager Darius Kearns will take temporary charge of the team for the match against Shamrock Rovers tonight.

Meanwhile Sligo Rovers can open up a seven-point lead in the Premier Division with another victory over north-west rivals Derry City at the Brandywell (7.05pm, live on RTÉ 2).

Striker Danny North, last night named ‘Airtricity Player of the Month’ for June, is suspended. Keeper Richard Brush is ruled out by injury while Ryan Connolly is set to make his debut. Jason McGuinness is expected to return after a late fitness test.

Bray Wanderers will be without Dave Webster (knee), Sean Heuston (thigh) and the suspended pair of Adam Mitchell and Danny O’Connor when they play host to Shelbourne at the Carlisle Grounds (7.45pm). Shels are without the suspended Barry Clancy while Ian Ryan and Glenn Cronin miss out through injury.

Bray boss Pat Devlin was delighted by Saturday’s 1-1 draw away to Sligo and wants his team to build on that performance.

“It’s going to be a tough one for us, with so many players missing. We have to get on with it and we will have a couple of new faces in and see what we can produce.”

Dundalk will look to end a poor run of results which has seen them lose three out of their last four league games when they host champions Shamrock Rovers at Oriel Park (7.45pm).

Boss Sean McCaffrey must plan without Ger Hanley (wrist) and Luke Danville (knee) while Peter Thomas is suspended. Conor McDonald and Michael Rafter have late fitness tests.

The Hoops, now eight points behind leaders Sligo, will be without the suspended Graham Gartland while Aaron Greene is ruled out by a knee injury.

Disappointed to concede a last minute goal in Sunday’s 1-1 home draw with second-placed St Patrick’s Athletic, Rovers boss Stephen Kenny is determined to keep his side in the title race after picking up just two points from their last three games.