My ‘nasty streak’ will relish Dundalk task, insists new boss Noel King

Never mind the surprise of Dundalk fans and the wider Irish football community. King didn’t apply for the job, while the executives perceived to be dealing with the search were dealing with other applications when they learned that new owner Brian Ainscough had hired his old friend from Home Farm.

A club video on Monday politely suggested that the reaction to his arrival was “mixed”. King is aware that it was much worse than that.

“I don’t go onto the Twitter,” he says. “So it doesn’t make any difference to me. I don’t know the people who do it. I don’t think I’m the only one who’s getting lashed, am I?”

In some respects, that ignorance is bliss. There was no attempt to sugar-coat the reality that a solo run from Ainscough, who has been living in America for over 40 years, had opened the door for King’s unlikely return to a league he hasn’t been a part of since 2003.

“I’m delighted I know him,” he said. “Because if I didn’t know him, I wouldn’t get the job. That’s the reality because I’m 67.”

Today's Sport News in 90 Seconds - 24th April

Across his 50 years in football, King has lived several different football lives. From starring in the league as a player and manager (and sometime player-manager) to a long association with the Delaney-era FAI in various roles: senior women’s boss, U-21 manager, and head of player ID. There was even a stint as interim senior boss in 2014, where his combative streak shone through in his TV appearances.

It was put to King that he was like Bovril, capable of polarising opinions. “Well, I think that’s very complimentary, because Bovril is sold all over the world,” he replied. “Millions and millions of it. So I thank you for that.”

Behind the staccato one-line replies, there is a sense that the fire still burns, a desire to prove his doubters wrong but he seems aware that only results will settle any sceptics attending Friday’s game with Bohs.

“I feel any time you’re in a job, your reputation is on the line,” he says. “I have a nasty streak in me too, that I’ll relish it. The only way I’ll win people over is by winning games.

“Obviously it would be better if I was in the league and knew all the players and managers,” continued King, who acknowledged it’s a much more professional league these days.

“I know them from afar, but that’s the way it is, it doesn’t mean I won’t make an impact. I have to believe myself that I will. I’ve a lot of experience at various levels.”

There was a poignant aside as he offered good wishes to his good friend Joey Malone, his assistant with the Shelbourne women’s side, who is unwell at the moment. He’d love for them to work together again.

“Maria (his wife) might be worried that if I do this too much that might come against me and my health. I see it the other way, that it will keep me going,” he said.

In reality, it’s Ainscough that will face tougher questions if it doesn’t work out, with Dundalk three points adrift at the bottom and eight away from safety.

“That (relegation) would be horrendous,” said King, who is hoping to add at least one coach to his staff.

It’s not a one-season-only deal. Ainscough has awarded him an 18-month contract.

“The intention is to see it out,” he stressed, “If I’m a disaster, I’ll talk to Brian.”