Dundalk have paved the way for the return of Stephen O'Donnell after announcing the departure of Vinny Perth for the second time.
Having guided St Pat's to FAI Cup final glory on Sunday, former Dundalk midfield favourite O'Donnell was linked with the Lilywhites hot seat, along with Drogheda's Tim Clancy.
There were also rumours that the club's new owners have made enquiries beyond the League, in England and across Europe.
But it is believed former midfield general O'Donnell, who is out of contract with the Saints, is on his way back to Oriel Park after two years in Inchicore, where he transformed the Richmond Park outfit.
The club has confirmed Perth's departure tonight.
"Everyone at the club would like to thank Vinny for the immense contribution he has made to Dundalk FC over the past nine years," read a Dundalk statement.
"His name will always be linked to a glorious spell in the club’s history.
"Vinny will always remain a much-loved, respected and significant figure amongst Dundalk FC supporters. We wish him, and his family, the very best of luck going forward and will always welcome them back to Oriel Park in the future."
Perth was Stephen Kenny's assistant at Oriel Park for six years during a glorious period for the club.
He took over as head coach in 2019, guiding the team to the Premier Division title, the EA Sports Cup, the Unite the Union Champions Cup and the FAI President’s Cup and lost the FAI Cup final to Shamrock Rovers on penalties.
He was let go by the club in August 2020 as relations between the Dubliner and the owners, Peak 6, soured but he returned in June as the Lilywhites found themselves in relegation trouble.
Perth extracted better performances from the squad and the side eventually finished in sixth place, six points clear of the relegation-promotion play-off berth.
O'Donnell is expected to be joined by Patrick Cregg, his assistant at St Pat's, on a full-time basis and it means the Saints must find a new manager while still on cloud nine from their FAI Cup triumph over Bohs.
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