Former Ireland manager, Steve Staunton, is reportedly a "contender" to replace Stephen Kenny as manager of League of Ireland champions, Dundalk.

The 49-year-old, who hails from the town, was on the books at the club before joining Liverpool in 1986.

The Irish Daily Star's Paul Lennon reports today that Staunton is "interested" in the job. Though, whether or not Dundalk would be interested in him is a different matter.

The ex-Ireland international was linked with the Oriel Park job seven years as the club searched for Ian Foster's successor. However, at the time, Dundalk said Staunton was not a candidate for the role.

Three years ago, Staunton launched the Steve Staunton Football Academy in Staffordshire which offers 16 - 18-year-olds the opportunity to develop their game and pick up a qualification at the same time.

Since departing as Ireland manager in late 2007, after 21 months in charge, Staunton has been assistant manager to Gary McAllister at Leeds, manager for five months at Darlington and also a scout with Sunderland.

It was announced on Sunday that Kenny would be leaving Dundalk to become the new Ireland U21 manager. He will also succeed Mick McCarthy as Ireland senior manager in August 2020.


Kenny said at a press conference on Monday that leaving Dundalk was a "real wrench". The 47-year-old confirmed that none of his Dundalk staff will join his Ireland U21 backroom team.

"Dundalk are in a really strong place, all the players from last season have signed up for next season," said Kenny.

"It’s the first season in many seasons that they haven’t lost many players.

"There’s a great leadership group there, Vinny Perth, assistant manager, tremendous. Ruaidhri Higgins the coach there, Stephen O’Donnell the captain with Brian Gartland as well. Great leadership group there, they’ll have continued success there I feel."

Picture credit; Brian Lawless / SPORTSFILE