Live

Highlights on Off The Ball

05:00 PM-12:00 AM

Highlights on Off The Ball
Advertisement
Soccer

Jim Magilton in combative mood after whirlwind day at Dundalk

Dundalk's Sporting Director Jim Magilton was offering little insight into the next steps after a ...



Jim Magilton in combative mood...
Soccer

Jim Magilton in combative mood after whirlwind day at Dundalk

Dundalk's Sporting Director Jim Magilton was offering little insight into the next steps after a tumultuous day at the club on Saturday.

Early in the day, reports emerged that Shane Keegan had left the club. 

Then, shortly before kick-off in their encounter against St Patrick's Athletic, it's understood that Filippo Giovagnoli told the players the game would be his last. 

Giovagnoli had been installed as head coach last season, but earlier this year it was confirmed that Keegan would take the managerial role, with the Italian forming part of the coaching staff. 

With the confusion surrounding the management of the team, it has also been a disappointing start to the season for the FAI Cup holders.

They have yet to win a game, with just two draws from their first five matches, including last night's 1-1 results against high-flying St Patrick's Athletic.

Speaking afterwards to LMFM, former Northern Ireland international Magilton - who took charge of the team on the night - insisted clarity would be given to the situation in the coming days.

"I know you're going to ask questions about what has happened over the last 24 hours," Magilton told reporters at the outset of his post-match interview with members of the media.

"We're not going to answer any questions about that. We'll make a statement in due course."

Pressed for comment, Magilton repeatedly refused to be drawn for further details.

"We will clarify all of this in due course, I promise you that. We will clarify everything that you want to ask and that will be done in the next few days I'm sure."

Aside from the off-the-field upheaval, Magilton praised the players for their performance.

"They showed courage, they showed character, which this team has in abundance.

"Tonight was important, an important statement for them more than anything."

It is unclear whether some light will be shed on the situation at the club prior to their away clash with fellow strugglers Derry City on Thursday evening.