Jim Magilton leaves Irish FA to take up role as sporting director at Dundalk

Magilton has been IFA Elite Performance Director since 2013

Jim Magilton has left his role as elite performance director at the Irish FA to become sporting director at League of Ireland club Dundalk.

The 51-year-old held his position at the Irish FA since 2013 but he will now join up with the Oriel Park club.

The 52-times capped Northern Ireland international will work alongside Italian manager Filippo Giovagnoli.

Magilton previously managed Ipswich Town and Queens Park Rangers.

IFA chief executive Patrick Nelson gave his "best wishes" ahead of Magilton's move to Dundalk.

"Today ends an incredible journey for me both personally and professionally. I would like to thank the Irish FA, and in particular Michael O'Neill, for giving me the opportunity to be a part of it," said Magilton.

"I would like to thank all of my staff, past and present, in both the Club NI and academy programme and the coach education team who have shown me tremendous loyalty and support over these past seven plus years, and for their enormous contribution to the association and development of our young players."

Magilton was one of five candidates to be interviewed to succeed Michael O'Neill as Northern Ireland manager in June.

He has previous experience of working in the League of Ireland during a spell as assistant to O'Neill when Shamrock Rovers won the league title in 2011.

Dundalk, who won the FAI Cup last weekend by beating Shamrock Rovers, play Arsenal in the Europa League this Thursday at the Aviva Stadium.