Stephen O’Donnell insists talk of new investors at Dundalk is a ‘non issue’ and won’t distract him or his players.
The Lilywhites released a lengthy statement to fans before yesterday's defeat to Bohemians, where they revealed they were in talks with three interested parties.
It was prompted by on-the-record comments from Hull City manager Liam Rosenior about the two clubs aligning their style of play if a deal was completed.
Hull City were already known to be one of the potential investors, although their owners were at Richmond Park last night watching St Pat’s and Shelbourne.
Dundalk’s owners claim they do not have to sell but, at the same time, acknowledge the need for investment and have not ruled out offloading a majority share.
But after losing 2-1 to Bohs at Dalymount Park, O’Donnell said: “Our full focus is the playing side.
“It’s not my remit but I do have full faith in the owners doing what’s best for the football club.
“From a fan’s point of view, they obviously want to know what’s going to be the outcome but, from our point of view, it doesn’t really affect us day to day.
“We’ve enough to concentrate on the football side of it. I haven’t heard one of the players talk about it, we haven’t even addressed it, it’s a non-issue in that regard.
“The full focus is on the training ground and football pitch.”
O’Donnell continued: “I don’t know the backdrop to (Rosenior’s comments) or the information he’s been told. I’m not sure about it. I don’t have an opinion on it.
“When I saw it yesterday it was like ‘We have Bohs tomorrow and we want to get ready for the game’. I haven’t over-thought about it one iota.
“I’ve full faith in the owners we have to have the best interests of Dundalk, the town and the football club
“They’re from Dundalk, they are supporters so we’ve just got to trust and back their opinion and judgement - they’re really good people and that’s what gives me comfort.
“It might become our concern when something different happens but as it stands now nothing has changed as regards our environment or training or the football club.”
O’Donnell is facing another potential distraction on Monday as St Pat’s pursue him through the courts over his departure from Dundalk after their 2021 FAI Cup final win.
But he does not believe he has to attend this hearing in person and said: “I go through the solicitors. It doesn’t really interest me.
“I’m fully focused on the football side of it. Those sort of distractions won’t interfere with me or disrupt my preparations or thoughts.”
Alfie Lewis will be assessed over the coming days after the Dundalk midfielder was forced off during last night’s clash at Dalymount.
The Englishman took a ball to the head and felt “light-headed”, with O’Donnell adding: “You can’t take any risks so we had to get him out of there.”
