Dundalk FC manager Seán McCaffrey is planning a double-header of friendlies on the second weekend in February, which is likely to give supporters their first view of the Lilywhites’ new-look side.
McCaffrey has so far lined up warm-up matches against Drogheda United, with the Malone Cup set to take place on Thursday 16 February, and Newry City, with the Louth club due to travel to The Showgrounds ten days after the trip to United Park.
However, it is expected that those games will come after friendlies on back-to-back days on the weekend of Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 February.
“We’ll play two games that weekend because with so many trialists in you could effectively put out two separate teams,” McCaffrey explained to dundalkfc.com.
“That way, nobody is abused and everyone is getting a fair chance.”
Commenting on his confirmed friendlies to date and the Malone Cup in particular, the 52-year-old added: “I know it’s the Malone Cup and people want silverware, but I’m not too concerned about the results in pre-season matches.
“I’m more concerned about assessing the players, getting the right balance and trying to invoke the way we want to play and the style of football we want to play.
“That’s what the pre-season matches are about, and fine-tuning things as you go on.
“The first couple of games will just be about assessing players, but then after that it will be about trying to fine-tune for the start of the season.”
