Former Dundalk boss Vinny Perth says he doesn't need to issue a 'Come and get me plea' in order to return to the Lilywhites' top job.
The Oriel Park outfit are struggling down in seventh in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division standings after a humbling 5-1 defeat at the hands of Bohemians on Monday.
Perth had been in charge after replacing Stephen Kenny in January 2019, before departing the position in August of last year after Champions League elimination.
Speaking on OTB AM this morning, Perth said he still has a lot of love for his former club despite the nature of his exit in August.
"A bit like [Mauricio] Pochettino, I haven't got my haircut until I get a job! But on a serious note, we all have a grá for a certain club, I haven't slagged off Dundalk since I've left.
"I've been very consistent. I obviously had my own hurt and I've spoken to different people personally about it. In the media I think I've said very little other than there was a difference of opinion in terms of the future of the club.
"I could sit here and say 'Wasn't I right?' but I think there's been that much bad press around Dundalk, around the players, that I'm hurting for those players.
"People like Brian Gartland, Chris Shields, Pat Hoban - there's no way those players are happy with where they are at the moment. A lot of pride is hurt in that club.
"If you're a manager, and particularly one in Ireland, it's very difficult to get work in this country, so one of the top jobs in this country becomes available, you'll consider it.
"But it's nothing more than that at the moment."
Perth added that he doesn't need to go pleading for a solid job in management, and that his record speaks for itself.
EXCLUSIVE: Vinny Perth on Dundalk links
🗣️ Is that a 'come and get me plea?'
❌ 'No'
Former-boss explains his current relationship with the club | #OTBAM pic.twitter.com/LQs3ovnN4d— Off The Ball (@offtheball) May 28, 2021
"I don't need to do that. I have a relationship with people in the club, I don't need to make a 'Come and get me plea'. If I sound big-headed, I'm sorry, but in the last eight years I've five league titles, two FAI Cups, two League Cups, over 40 European games of experience.
"So clubs in Ireland or clubs like Dundalk should be interested in someone like Vinny Perth.
"But that doesn't mean I'm going to get any job, and I'm actively looking for work in and outside of football, I'm very close to a couple of projects other than Dundalk - I've spoken to other clubs only this week outside of Ireland.
"It's a long-winded [way] of saying I just don't know, there's nothing imminent or about to happen. I wouldn't imagine I'm on any shortlist at the moment because my understanding is there isn't really one at the moment."
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