Kerry FC owner Brian Ainscough switches to Dundalk

DUNDALK BOUND: Dundalk FC is set for new ownership as Irish-born US businessman Brian Ainscough moves his interest from Kerry FC to the Premier Division club.

Dundalk FC is set for new ownership as Irish-born US businessman Brian Ainscough moves his interest from Kerry FC to the Premier Division club.

The takeover, due to be approved by the FAI imminently, will see the Dubliner take 100 percent control of the club with no minority stakes by others.

The Louth club has been in local ownership for the past two years under StatsSports owners Sean O’Connor and Alan Clarke along with Andy Connolly after they purchased the club following a tumultuous five-year period under the stewardship of Peak 6.

The regime admitted in February that extra cash was required to overcome their ‘limitations’ – especially upgrading antiquated Oriel Park – but talks with Hull City benefactor Acun Ilica came to nothing despite Tigers manager Liam Rosenior branding the prospect ‘massive’.

The Turkish businessman instead bought Shelbourne in June. And in October they confirmed talks over potential investment in the club were ongoing.

Cabra native Ainscough followed many of his peers transatlantic in 1983 and 40 years later is reconnected with his homeland.

From earning American Professional Soccer League honours in 1990, he ventured into coaching and eventually the business side of the game.

For almost half his time Stateside, he’s been associated with the Boston Bolts, the first soccer club in the city dominated by Irish.

As chief executive officer, he oversees operations at a club known for its team in the United Soccer League Two, part of the American structure, but whose reach extends to 2000 registered players across the state of Massachusetts.

The outgoing owners succeeded in luring Stephen O’Donnell as manager just days after he led St Patrick’s Athletic to the FAI Cup.

He couldn’t repeat his initial feat of European qualification this season, finishing fifth.

It is understood there will be no major changes to the playing budget, with clarity over record scorer Pat Hoban’s future the immediate task.

He has been told he can depart despite having another year left under contract.

It’s also believed that his departure from start-up club Kerry has been on amicable terms and doesn’t impact their plans going forward.

A statement from the club read: "Kerry Football Club can confirm that Brian Ainscough has stepped down as CEO of Kerry FC to pursue other interests.

"Ainscough was a shareholder in Kerry Football Club. The remaining shareholders are fully committed to providing League of Ireland football to the people of Kerry, including our US-based investors.

"Kerry FC would like to thank Brian Ainscough for his participation and efforts in the Kerry FC project and we wish him well in his new venture.

"We would like to take this opportunity to reassure our supporters that Kerry Football Club will continue to operate as normal and we are looking forward to a successful season in 2024 and beyond."

Ted Crowley, Joe Dunne, Matt Cantrell, Darren Lyons, James Carvalho and Peter Jones are listed as the club’s other shareholders, all based in the US.