Connor Malley leaves Dundalk FC

Connor Malley became the latest departure from Oriel Park over the weekend, with the 23-year-old English midfielder joining fellow SSE Airtricity League side Sligo Rovers.

Malley, having previously come through the ranks at Middlesbrough, spent the 2023 season at Oriel Park after signing from English League Two outfit Rochdale, scoring three goals in 33 league outings for a team that ended up fifth in the Premier Division.

Despite signing a multi-year deal last January, Dundalk have opted against activating the option of a second year on Malley’s contract, paving the way for him to join Darragh Leahy, Robbie McCourt (both Waterford), Daniel Kelly (Derry City), John Martin, Keith Ward (both Shelbourne) and Mark Byrne (Glenavon) in the departures lounge at Oriel.

Out of contract and expected to join that list of seven are Alfie Lewis and Darren Brownlie, both of whom are likely to return to clubs based in the United Kingdom.

However, goalkeeper Nathan Shepperd along with midfielder Greg Sloggett, both widely linked with moves away from Oriel throughout the winter, are now expected to stay put.

John Mountney, who remains on the PFAI Transfer List at the time of writing, is also expected to remain, while Robbie Benson has extended his spell for at least another year.

“Everyone knows what Robbie can do and he showed that towards the back end of last season, in particular,” said head coach Stephen O’Donnell.

“It’s our job, and it’s his job now, to ensure that he’s available every Friday night. That’s the main target we have for Robbie because there is no doubting his quality.

“After a difficult 18 months, he’s very hungry to get going again, so we just need to make sure he has a free run at the season.”

Benson added: “I’m really happy to be back. Next season will be my seventh at Dundalk and given the history of the club, that’s something I’m really proud of.

“I’m as excited about next season as I was when I first signed for the club. We have a good core of players here and I’m sure the new faces that will come in over the next few weeks will add to that and help us be successful again.”

Dara Keane, a midfielder signed from UCD, remains Dundalk’s only new addition to date, but The Lilywhites have expressed a keen interest in Larne defender Cian Bolger, Cliftonville winger Stephen Mallon, as well as Derry City midfielder Jordan McEneff.

Celbridge native Bolger turns 32 in March, and has over 250 English Football League appearances under his belt, representing clubs such as Fleetwood Town, Southend United, Bristol Rovers, Lincoln City, Northampton Town, Bury and Colchester United.

Also plying his trade in the Irish League is 25-year-old Mallon, with O’Donnell in attendance throughout Cliftonville’s recent 2-0 home win over Ballymena United.

Although Mallon is under contract at Cliftonville, managed by ex-Dundalk sporting director Jim Magilton, a transfer offer could be made due to that deal expiring in July.

A youth player at Sheffield United, his career encompasses spells in the A-League with Central Coast Mariners, plus in the League of Ireland with Derry City and Bohemians.

Dundalk have also registered interest in McEneff, with a potential loan offer being touted by the Belfast Telegraph.

Failing that, a part-exchange agreement involving record goalscorer Patrick Hoban relocating to the Ryan McBride Brandywell is also a possibility.

McEneff came through the ranks at Arsenal before playing League of Ireland football with Shelbourne and Derry, the latter for whom he scored eight goals in the 2023 season.

One player that won’t be lining out in Dundalk colours next season, however, is Drogheda United left-back Evan Weir, who instead of joining The Lilywhites, has opted for Walsall, with the English League Two club loaning him straight back to Drogheda.

Off the pitch, Dundalk have announced a new partnership with Halpin Sport Sponsorship, who are to assume responsibility for the club’s commercial activities.

Halpin Sport Sponsorship was founded over 12 years ago by ex-Dundalk general manager Peter Halpin, who also held commercial positions at Bohemians and Glentoran.

Under the terms of the new agreement, which officially took effect from Monday, January 1st, Halpin Sport Sponsorship will oversee the entirety of Dundalk’s commercial activities, which will be spearheaded by new commercial manager, Nita Whelan.

“I have worked with Peter and his company in the past and I found him to be the ultimate professional,” said Dundalk owner Brian Ainscough.

“I’m so happy to have acquired his, and Nita’s, services for Dundalk Football Club because they will play a big part in how we move forward.”

“I was delighted when Brian asked me to come on-board and help put some structure on the business end of a club that is close to my heart,” said Peter Halpin, managing director of Halpin Sport Sponsorship.

“Nita Whelan has worked with me at Halpin Sport Sponsorship for the last three years and I have every confidence that she will be a very valuable addition to the club.

“We are very excited to start 2024 by getting to work with the business community and the club’s supporters and our door is always open to new enquiries relating to sponsorship and commercial activities.”