Inside Track: It’s only the fortunes of Kilduff’s team that concerns Orielites

It’s been a good few weeks for soccer managers who’ve been mentioned on these pages before, some more often than others. Ciaran Kilduff, Thomas Tuchel, Heimir Hallgrimsson and Jim Magilton (remember him?) have all been winners.

Kilduff’s team may be well down the pecking order when it comes to status, but for followers around these parts, The Lilies are the only ones that count.

Dundalk couldn’t have had a much better start in their bid to make their stay in the League of Ireland’s First Division as short as possible.

READ MORE: Inside Track: Inniskeen win keeps Louth in Division Two and denies Meath promotion

Last Friday night’s 2-1 defeat was their fourth in five games, and with the other match ending in a draw, there’s no other team better placed in the table.

Fans were seen filing up the Carrick Road from around 7 o’clock onwards for the game with Longford. They had purpose in their step and were wearing the colours. They’ll be on the march for another home game on Friday night, this one against Wexford.

Hallgrimsson’s Republic of Ireland team are in a relegation battle, trying to save their Nations League place in the second tier. They did themselves a huge favour by beating Bulgaria 2-1 in a first-leg away match last week.

If successful in last Sunday’s second leg at The Aviva, or even taking a draw from it, the opposition for the next running of the competition will be much stronger than it would be in a lower section. That would be important in the build-up to the next World Cup qualifiers, which begin in September.

Tuchel, in his own first game as England manager, debut to a teenager and the seasoned Dan Burn. Myles Lewis-Skelly made it a memorable outing, becoming the youngest-ever goalscoring debutante. The Red Rose beat Albania – not exactly as world power – 2-0 with who else but Harry Kane to come up with the other goal?

Magilton had an involvement in one of Dundalk’s most turbulent seasons. Remember when managers and owners stepped in and stepped out again, no-one really knowing what was going on? He was at Oriel on the invite of the American-based owners of the club at the time, Peak6.

Since then, the former International has returned to Irish League football, taking on the role of Cliftonville manager. He’s had a bit of luck, guiding the Belfast side to a dramatic win over Glentoran in the League Cup final.

An eclectic mix of gaffers there, locals’ major – maybe only – concern centering on how Kilduff fares out.