Ian Foster has confirmed his first three friendlies, for what is expected to be a new-look Dundalk side, with all of the games set for Oriel Park in February. The Lilywhites, who begin pre-season training on 25 January, will kick-off their preparations for the new campaign 13 days later with the visit of Athlone Town on Sunday 7 February, which will be quickly followed by a home meeting with Shelbourne two days later.

‘Super Sunday’
The annual Jim Malone Cup match will take place a week later, on 16 February, when Dundalk will look to win the trophy back from their near neighbours Drogheda United. Both the Shels and Drogheda games will have 7.45pm kick-offs, while Foster’s first outing as manager will be a ‘Super Sunday’ of football. Dundalk supporters will get to see their new stars in action at 2pm, while directly after the game the English Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal (kick-off 4pm) will be shown live on the big screen in the Lilywhite Lounge.

Details of more friendlies will be released in due course.