Soccer:Sean Connor has resigned as Dundalk manager and leaves the League of Ireland club by mutual consent.

Dundalk ended the campaign with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Derry City last night and finished mid-table in fifth.

Connor informed the board that he has a “number of other options open to him” and rather than both parties hanging on, he has decided to take time out before pursuing these other options.

“I would like to have been able to build on the foundation stones that were laid here but I believe that it is in the best interest of both parties (for me) to part on an amicable basis,” said Connor.

“Dundalk is a club with a fervent support base and enormous potential. As with my previous clubs, I am content that I leave the club in a stronger position then when I joined.

“I want to thank all the players, the staff and the supporters for their commitment and tenacity over the course of the season, as I look forward to my next challenge with continued enthusiasm and confidence”

It is the second successive year Dundalk will be looking for a new manager after the club let John Gill go at the end of last season after he guided them back to the Premier Division.

This season Dundalk lost their way somewhat towards the end of the campaign as speculation mounted about Connor’s future.

Current Derry City boss Stephen Kenny has been mentioned as a possible successor with the Candystripes facing an uncertain future and are believed to be in debt to the tune of some €300,000 and in crisis talks with the FAI today.

Dundalk will start the process of finding Connor’s replacement immediately with the club’s chief executive, Gerry Matthews, stating that the club plan to provide the new manager with “as close as possible to - if not exactly the same budget” and to maintain a full-time set-up.