Dundalk FC ownership changes hands again as Clinton steps in

Chris Clinton has been confirmed as the new majority shareholder of Dundalk FC following the conclusion of an agreement with outgoing owner John Temple, marking the third change in ownership at Oriel Park in as many years.

Clinton, a 68-year-old Dublin-born businessman now based in the United States, was originally introduced to Dundalk as a minority shareholder by former owner Brian Ainscough.

READ NEXT: Leinster JHC | Carter: “The lads have been outstanding”

He now succeeds Temple, who assumed control last September in a bid to steer the club away from the brink of liquidation.

Temple himself had taken the reins from Ainscough, whose brief tenure—following his acquisition of the club from Andy Connolly and STATSports—lasted less than a year.

News of the latest change in ownership was first reported by The Democrat last Monday, although an official announcement, originally anticipated midweek, was postponed due to Clinton’s absence from the country.

Under the new structure, Clinton assumes an 85% controlling stake in the club, with the remaining 15% shared among fellow US-based investors John Keenan, Kevin Brayton, and Michael Cianci, with a new management board expected to be finalised in the coming days.

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

“Having won promotion to the League of Ireland Premier Division and having committed to first-team manager Ciaran 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 stabilise the current financial situation and to build for the longer term.”

With Dundalk still awaiting the outcome of its licence application to compete in next season’s SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, kit supplier Playr-Fit has released a statement confirming that it has initiated legal proceedings against the club over a legacy debt of €130,000.

Clinton, who—together with Keenan and Brayton—had urged Temple to relinquish his shares, has now reached a financial agreement to finalise the takeover.

He must also oversee the necessary upgrades to the pitch and floodlights at Oriel, as failure to complete these improvements could place the club’s Premier Division licence in jeopardy.

“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,” he said.

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

“On top of changes that are coming at Oriel Park, another priority will be to ensure there is both 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.

“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.”

On the pitch, first-team manager Ciaran Kilduff—despite widespread reports in both local and national media linking him with the Waterford vacancy, and even suggestions that he had already resigned—demonstrated his loyalty by penning a fresh two-year contract with the club.

Kilduff returned to his duties on Monday morning following a brief stint in Hungary as part of his UEFA Pro Licence course, and the Dundalk manager is expected to meet with his current squad this week while also holding discussions with several prospective signings ahead of the new season.

The futures of Mayowa Animasahun, Dean Ebbe, and JR Wilson at Oriel appear uncertain, with all three players having been included on the PFAI transfer list.

It is understood that The Lilywhites intend to operate under an almost full-time model in 2026, with two key members of Kilduff’s backroom team—assistant manager Ken Kiernan and fitness coach Ronan Murray—close to finalising their returns to the dugout alongside him.

Preparations for pre-season are also underway, with the PTSB Leinster Senior Cup draw placing Dundalk in a group alongside Athlone Town, Shelbourne, and local Athlone outfit St Peter’s FC.