Dundalk have announced that chief executive Mark Devlin is stepping down. 

The former Brentford CEO was only appointed to the role in April of 2019.

The announcement of his departure comes just two days after Dundalk were denied the treble by losing on penalties to Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup final at the Aviva Stadium.

Devlin is to leave his role next week to return to the UK and said in a statement, "I may only have been here a relatively short period of time, but I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience and time in Dundalk.

"I’ve been fortunate to meet many fans and the passion they have for their club is clear to see.

"The club is fortunate to also have a very dedicated set of staff and volunteers and a playing squad which represents the club so well on and off the pitch.

"It has been a pleasure to work here and I wish the club every success in the future.

"However, family issues mean the time is right for me to return to the UK and seek a new challenge."

Devlin had been active on social media during his time at Oriel Park and happy to interact with the club's fans.

However, he sparked the ire of Louth GAA in September when he proposed a groundshare of a potential new 14,000 capacity county ground on the outskirts of Dundalk.

Chairman of the Louth County Board Aidan Berrill said of the proposal, "This is purely a GAA venue. It will be built by the works and contributions of the GAA – Croke Park and Louth GAA ourselves.

Should a replacement be installed by the end of 2019, it will mean the SSE Airtricity Premier Division champions will have had three CEOs in one calendar year.

Mal Brannigan left the club for Dundee United in January, and now Devlin has decided to part ways with the Lilywhites.

Dundalk chairman Mike Treacy said, "We would like to thank Mark for all of his efforts during his time at Dundalk.

"His experience in football has been invaluable and we wish him well for the future."