Dundalk FC can confirm that Martin Connolly has returned to Oriel Park as the club’s Chief Operating Officer.

The 53-year-old will oversee the daily operations of the club as well as develop and implement a strategy for growth going forward.

A reserve-team player during the Turlough O’Connor era, Martin took up the position of first-team goalkeeping coach in 2008 and has gone on to fill a number of roles at the club since then, including head of youth development, general manager and secretary.

Between 2015 and 2020, he was the club’s chief operating officer, a period that saw Dundalk win three SSE Airtricity League titles and qualify for the UEFA Europa League group stages on two occasions.

He was also the club representative on the National League Executive Committee before his departure from the club in December 2020.

“I’m delighted to be back at the club,” he told dundalkfc.com. “Being away from it for a year has given me a chance to recharge my batteries and I have been really impressed by the vision and energy of our new owners.

“We know there will be many challenges ahead but with the help and support of our fans, the local community and sponsors, we believe we can build a stable, inclusive and successful community-based football club again.”