Dundalk FC manager "Couldn't be happier" with backroom team

Dundalk FC’s new first-team manager, Ciarán Kilduff, has appointed his backroom team.

Speaking to the official club website about the recruitment of his backroom staff, Kilduff expressed satisfaction with their experience and commitment to restoring Dundalk to the top flight of Irish football.

“I couldn’t be happier,” Kilduff said. “I got all my first choices. When I took the job, they were the people that I wanted to bring in and keep. Honestly, it couldn’t have gone any better.”

Kilduff has brought in Ken Kiernan and Gerry Spain to bolster his coaching ranks while retaining key figures like Liam Burns and Peter Cherrie.

For Kilduff, the mix of continuity and fresh ideas was paramount. He explained: “The targets of Ken and Gerry were key to me being able to do this job the way I want to do it.

“To keep Burnsy and Peter Cherrie in the building and the dressing room with me was something I targeted early.”

He added: “They’re all bringing different values and different experiences. I think we’ve got a brilliant blend for the dressing room now.

“It sends a statement to the players about the level of coaching, professionalism, and honesty they’ll get.”

Kilduff spoke with particular enthusiasm about assistant manager Ken Kiernan, a coach he’s worked with in the past.

He said: “Ken has a great CV. He worked underage with Shelbourne Boys, we worked together in Athlone and had success. He’s a brilliant coach, we work well together. We have an element of trust.”

The decision to leave Bohemians, where Kiernan had been making strides, was not easy for the coach, Kilduff admitted. However, the opportunity to join Dundalk and reunite with Kilduff was ultimately too good to pass.

“He had done a great job there. Ken himself knows, though, this is a huge opportunity in terms of his progression as a coach. I knew from early days this was something that really interested him,” Kilduff said.

Gerry Spain’s addition as a first-team coach and analyst has been hailed as a major plus for the Lilywhites.

“A familiar face from Kilduff’s playing days under Stephen Kenny, Spain brings a deep understanding of the club and a wealth of knowledge.

“Gerry is massive for us,” Kilduff said. “He cares about the club deeply. It’s getting people around the club that care. That’s the biggest thing.

“What a coup for me to have Gerry coming in and giving me his experience, his dedication, and his commitment. He has a very different style to me, and that’s what I love about him.”

Kilduff was equally vocal about the importance of keeping Liam Burns and Peter Cherrie in the fold.

“Burnsy is the heartbeat of the club. He’s someone who cares so much about it, and you need those people around right now,” Kilduff said.

“He’s an excellent coach, he has the respect of the lads, and his knowledge of the Academy structure and players coming through is invaluable.”

On Peter Cherrie, the club’s goalkeeping coach, Kilduff remarked: “Peter is away, but we’ve spoken numerous times on the phone. His role in this is huge. I’m delighted our relationship is good.”

“It genuinely couldn’t have gone better,” Kilduff said. “We’re ready to hit the ground running.”

Kilduff’s first-team management lineup for the 2025 season is now official:

Manager: Ciarán Kilduff; Assistant Manager: Ken Kiernan; First-Team Coach: Liam Burns; First-Team Coach & Analyst: Gerry Spain; Goalkeeping Coach: Peter Cherrie.