2019 was another fantastic season for Dundalk in this incredible period of SSE Airtricity League dominance they're currently enjoying. Vinny Perth's side claimed their fifth league title since 2014 and any fears that the Louth club would suffer wit
2019 was another fantastic season for Dundalk in this incredible period of SSE Airtricity League dominance they're currently enjoying.
Vinny Perth's side claimed their fifth league title since 2014 and any fears that the Louth club would suffer without the presence of Stephen Kenny were never realised.
The EA SPORTS Cup and the Unite the Union Champions Cup were also lifted in a historic season after final victories over Derry City and Linfield respectively. However, the FAI Cup final defeat against Shamrock Rovers put a slight shadow on the campaign and lifted Rovers' hopes of a title challenge next season.
As soon as the season ended, changes were afoot. Robbie Benson announced his departure from the club straight after the Unite the Union Champions Cup victory to St. Patrick's Athletic; a major blow to the Lilywhites.
Benson has been instrumental during his time at Oriel Park, winning three league titles and was one of the star players in the club's fantastic European run, which included goals against Legia Warsaw and BATE Borisov.
Further departures have seen Cameron Dummigan move to Crusaders on loan, Dean Jarvis sign for Larne and midfielder Jamie McGrath move to St. Mirren on a free transfer. Whilst the first two players were mainly bit-part players last season, McGrath's departure will be another significant loss to Dundalk in that No.10 role.
There has been significant changes behind the scenes as well. Former Chief Executive Mark Devlin returned to England to take up a similar role with Huddersfield Town whilst Chairman Mike Treacy stepped down and has been replaced by Bill Hulsizer.
It is more change than Dundalk will have been used to over recent years but the Lilywhites are still a symbol of stability as the vast majority of the squad remains with the club. Perth has also been able to add some luxury items to his squad for next season as Ireland U-21 international left-back Darragh Leahy joined from Bohemians and Greg Sloggett joined from Derry City.
Will Patching, a former England under-age international, moves across the water to Oriel Park but is still relatively unproven at the age of 21 and only has a handful of first-team appearances at Notts County to his name.
Perth is still looking to add players to his squad and one notable name on the pre-season training camp squad list is Cammy Smith. The former Aberdeen, Dundee United and St. Mirren striker/midfielder has fantastic pedigree and at the age of 24, still has his best years ahead of him. He could be the high-profile signing Dundalk supporters are eager to see.
Whilst the attentions during off-season are usually on incoming players, there will be significant focus on the starting XI during the pre-season friendlies, particularly up front. Patrick Hoban scored 13 goals last season, second in the League Golden Boot, but many pundits and supporters were encouraged by the form of Georgie Kelly. Mainly utilised off the bench, Kelly scored eight goals in the league last season and has staked a claim for a consistent starting spot in Perth's line-up.
At the age of 23, Kelly is reaching an age where he needs to be playing regular football and he started the opening pre-season game of the year, a 7-1 win over UCD AFC. It is a curious battle between the two strikers as to who can claim that starting spot as the season progresses.
Perth will also be hoping to get more out of Jordan Flores this season. The former Wigan Athletic midfielder had an injury-hit campaign with the Lilywhites but if he can stay fit, Flores should have the quality and technique to light up the league.
Dundalk supporters should be excited by the continued progression of Daniel Kelly who has proved to be a fantastic addition since his move to Oriel Park and encouraged by Patrick McEleney's return to fitness ahead of the 2020 season.
They also still have the best player in the league, Micheal Duffy, still at the club after his fantastic 12-goal, 12-assists league campaign in 2019.
That said, Perth and his Dundalk troops will be casting an eye over their shoulder this year. Shamrock Rovers have made significant improvements and looks like they'll be able to keep their best talent in house whilst Bohemians, Derry City and St. Patrick's Athletic have also made huge strides forward.
No doubt, Dundalk are still favourites for the SSE Airtricity League 2020 title but there are plenty of questions for the Lilywhites to answer in the coming season. That will only give hope to the chasing pack as we gear up for potentially the most exciting title battle in years.
