Ciarán Kilduff: I wouldn't be at Dundalk if I didn't have the stomach for a fight

READY TO FIGHT: Newly announced Dundalk manager Ciarán Kilduff stands for a portrait after a press conference at Oriel Park in Dundalk, Louth. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Ciarán Kilduff says he will have a conversation with his old Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny in the coming weeks as he embarks on his first foray into management in the men's game.

The 36-year-old was part of Kenny's hugely successful Lilywhites team, winning two league titles and an FAI Cup under the now former Republic of Ireland boss as well as scoring the club's first ever European group stage goal against AZ Alkmaar in September 2016.

Kilduff was unveiled at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon with relegated Dundalk facing a season in the First Division in 2025, as well as numerous challenges off the pitch under new owner John Temple.

However, while the ex-Athlone Town women's boss sees this as a fresh start for him and the club, he is yet to speak to Kenny for advice on how to approach life in the Oriel Park dugout.

“There’s always messages going back and forth, usually congratulations or hard luck. I didn’t in particular," he said when asked if he sought a chat with the St Patrick's Athletic manager.

"Stevie O’Donnell would be someone I’d be close to as well in terms of people around the club. The club is in a different position now than it might have been when they were taking the role.

"We have our First Division status now. There’s a lot of different issues.

"He’s definitely someone I’ll speak to, someone that I always have great respect for, and it works both ways. In the short term I haven’t but now that we’re all off and in the off-season, I’ll probably have a catch-up with him along the way."

Kilduff has signed a two-year deal as Dundalk boss and sees his new role as a medium to long term project. He has yet to confirm his backroom team and work is only beginning on putting together his squad for next term.

Nine players - including Daryl Horgan - are under contract for 2025 while the club intend to take up options on at least two more.

"Lets be honest, there has been a dark time for the last while, it’s been a tough situation, but I would not be here if I did not have the stomach for a fight," he told a packed press conference.

"You are coming into a club that you know has been through a bit of turmoil in the last while. There has been trauma," he said referring to the club's dice with death just six weeks ago.

"There has been dark times before and Dundalk have rose again. I have the stomach for this. This is an opportunity. Maybe I am an optimist.

“The last two times I’ve been in the First Division I’ve won it, I’ve won it with Shelbourne and won it with UCD. It’s a really tough league and it’s not easily won.

"Every other team right now in that division will be smelling blood for many reasons – the allure of that Premier Division that’s blooming right now."