Dundalk manager has targets when transfer window opens

Dundalk FC are poised to enter the transfer market in search of a new striker when the window opens next week, though manager Ciaran Kilduff has been quick to clarify that his pursuit of additional firepower is not a critique of his current attacking options.

Kilduff offered a firm defence of Dean Ebbe, the club’s leading scorer with seven goals this season, and acknowledged the valuable roles played by Gbemi Arubi and Eoin Kenny.

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Nonetheless, he conceded that bolstering the frontline is a necessary step as the club approaches the decisive stretch of the SSE Airtricity League First Division campaign.

“We need another one in the offensive side of the pitch,” he admitted to The Democrat following Dundalk’s 1-1 draw with Treaty United, before adding, “We’ve had Dean Ebbe, Eoin Kenny, Gbemi Arubi, and they’ve all contributed massively so far.

“Gbemi picking up an injury is a frustrating one for us—he was having a huge impact for us. Deano has seven goals and is our top scorer, and Eoin was very good tonight, ran the channels, and was a handful.”

On Ebbe, he continued: “It’s the hardest place on the pitch and he was playing in the 10 tonight. He finished as the top scorer in this division last year, so the stats and the facts speak for themselves.

“Dean is an excellent player and he’s a player that we’re going to need. I guarantee before the end of the season we’ll be celebrating some of his goals.”

Regarding potential additions to bolster the attacking ranks, Kilduff maintained that no deals were close to being finalised at this stage.

“If one comes available and it’s the right one? Maybe,” he said. “I’m not close to it with anyone yet. The window is not even open yet. I have targets in the attacking unit and the midfield unit. We’ve already brought in one, and there will be a minimum of one or two more.”

The sole addition so far, John Ross Wilson from Athlone Town, will be ineligible to feature until July 4th, when Dundalk travel to Mounthawk Park to face Kerry; however, Kilduff insists that the former Shelbourne and Sligo Rovers right-back, as well as the injured Conor O’Keeffe, must earn their place ahead of Luke Mulligan, who has impressed of late.

“The boys have to take it off Luke,” he insisted. “I’ve tried to be as consistent as I can in that all year. I’ve played the people I thought were ready and were going to win us the game. That’s my job and I’ll continue to do so. In certain games, we’re going to need a bigger squad.

“If we had JR tonight, he would’ve been playing with Luke. We just would’ve jigged things around, we could have just put (Sean) McHale at left-back and JR centre-half. A bit of competition or a bit of help back there is never going to harm them.”

Kilduff also suggested that the imminent returns of Norman Garbett and Ethen Vaughan—both sidelined through injury and yet to feature in the league this season—will feel like adding new signings to the squad.

“We also have seven to come back from tonight,” he outlined. “Would you consider Norman Garbett and Ethen Vaughan new players at this stage? Norman will be back and will be a huge player for us, as will Ethen.

“What I’m trying to say is JR Wilson has signed for the club, Norman Garbett is to return, Ethen Vaughan, Conor O’Keeffe, Gbemi Arubi, Mayowa (Animasahun), Sean Keogh—I wouldn’t be adding too many more. One or two more and what we have, that’s what we’ll be going with.”

With 17-year-old defender Vinnie Leonard attracting interest from abroad—Italian side Genoa closely tracking his development, and French heavyweights Lille and Lyon also keeping a watchful eye—Kilduff remains hopeful of securing longer-term contracts for some of the club’s most promising young talents.

“We’ve done quite well with a lot of our business and we’re delighted with the lads, but we need to keep pushing. We’re trying to rebuild this whole club from the bottom up, and it starts with players, so we’ll have to push on and do our business.”