LAST UPDATE | 17 Sep 2024

The 42

A DEAL TO save Dundalk FC has been confirmed by the League of Ireland club.

A statement released this evening states that local businessman John Temple has taken over from previous owner Brian Ainscough.

Temple “will lead a consortium of investors who have agreed to underwrite the players’ current wages until the end of the season and will examine the viability of the club and its facilities going forward.”

A new board will be confirmed in the coming weeks and a meeting will also taking place with players.

The 42 understands a figure in the region of €3 million will be required to make the Premier Division club sustainable, clearing debts that are upwards of €1.5m as well as providing the necessary capital on an ongoing basis thereafter.

Dundalk Football Club is delighted to announce that a takeover of the club has been agreed upon between Brian Ainscough and Dundalk native John Temple.

— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) September 17, 2024

Yesterday, Minister for Sport Thomas Byrne also confirmed that a further €500,000 would be forthcoming for upgrade work at Oriel Park as part of their Sports Capital Grant Application, provided the club remained in existence.

Referencing that commitment in the statement, Temple said: “Dundalk is a football town and the club is hugely important to all the staff, players and supporters.

“We appreciate the concerns raised by all of our supporters in recent weeks and it has underscored what the club means to every one of them.

“We are fully supportive of Jon Daly and the team to get the results required on the pitch. I am more concerned right now about getting the off-field matters sorted.

“We are very grateful to Minister Thomas Byrne who has pledged the Government’s support for our Sports Capital Grant application, which is most welcome, and this is the silver lining for today’s takeover announcement.”

Ainscough admitted last week that liquidation was a real possibility unless a new owner was found.

The Boston-based businessman initially set self-imposed deadline of 5pm yesterday to secure a deal for the club.

The 42 reported yesterday that he had extended that deadline as two interested groups put forward serious proposals.

While Temple will lead the new ownership, another group of investors primarily based in Slovakia, with a Louth native to its forefront, are willing to join forces as minority owners and are due to arrive for further talks this evening and tomorrow morning.

An initial €360,000 was required to ensure the club could see out the remainder of this Premier Division campaign.

Daly’s side are bottom of the top flight and in a battle to survive relegation with Louth rivals Drogheda United.

A deal to save the club has now been completed before they face Sligo Rovers on Saturday.

Written by David Sneyd and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.