New Dundalk FC owner attracts two additional investors

HERE COMES THE MONEY: Dundalk are winless on the pitch this season but the club’s new owner Brian Ainscough has scored a victory by attracting two new investors. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Dundalk are winless on the pitch this season but the club’s new owner Brian Ainscough has scored a victory by attracting two new investors.

Like himself, John Keenan and Chris Clinton emigrated from Ireland to the US and have fared well in their business lives to the point they can part with their cash to boost the domestic league.

Ainscough swapped start-up Kerry FC to assume control of the Premier Division club from StatsSports and Andy Connolly and was upfront about the scale of funds required to modernise the Co Louth club.

Oriel Park requires its artificial pitch to be relaid and floodlights replaced within the next 18 months, reflecting the general sense of decay at a ground he made no bones about calling a pigsty during a fans forum at the venue.

Cabra native Ainscough lined out for Home Farm and Drogheda United in the League of Ireland but is best known as chief executive of Boston Bolts, the US League Two club with a player membership of 2,000 across the state of Massachusetts.

Changes were inevitable in the course of his overhaul and chief operating officer Martin Connolly, brother of the previous co-owners, recently departed.

There’s been talk about the future of head coach Stephen O’Donnell amid their start to the season – one point from 12 that included a 5-0 humbling at home to Sligo Rovers eight days ago – but the benefactor has been busily enticing fellow investors onboard.

“Chris and John have expertise in data, IT and finance and will work alongside Dundalk FC owner Brian Ainscough to help drive the club’s growth and development in the years ahead,” a club statement released on Tuesday said.

“Clinton, a native of North County Dublin, emigrated to the USA in the mid-eighties after spending time at Dundalk Regional Technical College.

“An avid football supporter and a snowsports enthusiast, he has spent most of his career working in the technology and healthcare industries.”

Ainscough said: “Chris knows Dundalk very well and has worked in IT for many years but, more importantly, he is passionate about football and wants to help make Dundalk the number one club in the country.

Chris Clinton added: “I attended many Dundalk games when I was a student at Dundalk RTC, as it was known back in the day so this is a connection that’s coming full circle for me.

“I’m delighted to have the chance to work with Brian and his team to bring success back to this great club and its passionate supporters.”

Keenan, who is also from Dublin, played with Home Farm and represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level before moving to America on a football scholarship.

He played professionally in the USA for two years before pursuing a career in financial services and is currently an executive with Equity Services Inc. and resides in Florida.

“John has been a friend of mine for over 40 years,” said Ainscough.

“During that time, we played together for many seasons. He is a great team leader and will be a huge resource for the club.

“I’m really excited by this opportunity,” said John, “and I’m looking forward to getting involved with Dundalk FC and helping the club and community to thrive for years to come.”