Chris Clinton takes control at Dundalk to ease crisis

TAKEOVER: Dundalk has its third majority shareholders in the space of 14 months after US-based Irishman Chris Clinton brokered a deal to acquire the 65% stake of John Temple. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Dundalk has its third majority shareholders in the space of 14 months after US-based Irishman Chris Clinton brokered a deal to acquire the 65% stake of John Temple.

Local based barrister Teple tomok control last year from Brian Ainscough as years of mismanagement put the club’s existence on the brink.

Clinton was a minority shareholder during the brief one-year reign of Ainscough and grew his five percent stake to 20% under the Temple era as he invested heavily during their successful tilt at bouncing straight back from relegation.

A boardroom battle developed between the two directors, Clinton and Temple, leading to a standoff which places uncertainty over the squad budget for 2026.

Amid the turmoil of being unable to retain it recruit players, manager Ciarán Kilduff tendered his resignation.

When Clinton flew in from Ohio to hold discussions, he was able to convince the former club player of his viable plans for the season.

Kilduff subsequently agreed a new two-year contract while the squabbling directors agreed to mediation. That has resulted in Temple’s exit and Clinton holding a 85% shareholding.

As a result, Clinton will step in as club chairperson with immediate effect and will appoint a new Dundalk FC management board in the coming days.

He admits work is underway to ensure the Oriel Park facilities are upgraded to meet the criteria for a Premier Division licence to be granted by the FAI.

Additional external investment is expected to be confirmed from ongoing discussions with an interested party.

“I am delighted to take control of Dundalk FC and look forward to progressing the club onto solid foundations, on and off the field,” Clinton said.

“Having won promotion to the League of Ireland Premier Division and having committed to first-team manager Ciarán Kilduff on a two-year deal, we have already taken some steps to secure our coaching staff.

“However, we also need to address how the club is organised off the field of play, and a primary task in the days ahead will be to assemble a new management board that represents Dundalk FC.

“In addition, there are various discussions ongoing with several potential new partners to attract income and investment to the club to help stabilize the current financial situation and to build for the longer term.

“I can confirm that we are engaged with the Football Association of Ireland in relation to our Premier Division licence, and we are making progress on the new playing surface and the floodlights upgrade at Oriel Park.

“Regarding the pitch and lights, I expect that orders for new materials will also be made in the coming days.” 

The Dundalk FC chairperson expects that the club will also have offers to make to fans in anticipation of the 2026 season, the Lilywhites’ centenary campaign in the League of Ireland.

He said: “On top of changes that are coming at Oriel Park, another priority will be to ensure there is both a better communication with and a better offering for our fanbase. I would also like to thank the fans of the club for both their patience and support.

“I know they have a central role at the club, and in that regard, we are preparing the launch of the new home kit for next season and to ensure sufficient stock is in place for fans in advance of the Christmas period.

“The club intends to launch the 2026 Dundalk FC Season Ticket package, and to relaunch the Dundalk FC 500 Club imminently, both of which are important financial mechanisms and offers that ensure our fans are front and centre of the new direction that the club is seeking to take,” Mr Clinton added.

“These are the immediate tasks to hand, and I also understand that there are many other issues to tackle, but these will be addressed as soon as the management board is appointed and tasked with engaging with our fans, commercial partners and other stakeholders that are part of our wider community.”