Brian Gartland is set to with Dundalk FC into his 10th year, after signing a contract extension with the club through to the end of the 2023 season.
Gartland joined the Lilywhites in 2013, and has since featured in both of the club’s Europa League group stage campaigns in 2016 and 2020 and won 16 winners medals.
While his 2021 season did not go as he would have wanted, as he was injured after just six minutes against Shamrock Rovers in April, he will be looking to get the first season under Stephen O'Donnell off to a good start.
In a statement released by Dundalk on Saturday, Gartland expressed his excitement to play under the new manager.
“I’m delighted to be staying here and going into my 10th season at the club. There is nowhere else I wanted to be," Gartland said in the Dundalk statement.
“Last year was one of the toughest years of my life, on and off the pitch. Mentally, it was so hard seeing where the club was going and because I had the injury, I felt helpless and couldn’t do anything about it.
“Thankfully, my recovery is going very well and with the new owners and management team, there is a real buzz around the club again.
“I feel that I have a lot to offer and I can’t wait to get back out in front of the crowd at Oriel Park. It’s been that long since I played in front of them and there were times last year when I was wondering if I’d ever get the chance to do that again.”
Gartland believes that O'Donnell is taking Dundalk in the right direction.
“Like everyone else, I’m so excited about where the club is going,” Gartland said. “It feels that a reboot is taking place and I’m really looking forward to the challenge of that and being part of the journey.
“I have massive respect for Stevie [O’Donnell]. He was my captain when I played alongside him and I love his ideas and philosophy on the game and I’m really looking forward to working with him, Padge Cregg and Dave Mackey.
“It’s a new era for the club and, knowing Stevie, and from speaking to the new owners, the environment will be right to help us rebuild, consolidate and get this club back to where it was and where it should be.”
For the incoming manager, having the 35-year-old Dundalk veteran remaining at Oriel Park is a bonus to the start of his tenure at the club.
"I’m delighted to have Brian back on board,” O'Donnell said in the statement from Dundalk. “His season was curtailed through injury last year but he is looking fresh and hungry and he is making great progress with his recovery.
“On the pitch, he has a lot to give in terms of his quality and leadership and it will be huge for the squad, in particular the younger players, to have someone with his experience and presence around.
“He has been one of the most successful players in the league in recent times and I think it was a big thing to get him sorted and tied down and we can’t wait to get working with him on a daily basis now.”
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