Dundalk manager Eddie May has left the club to take up a three-year contract at Brentford, the west London club recently taken over by a consortium headed by David Webb. The former Chelsea star had been managing the side which last season missed out on promotion to the first division in the play-offs. However, following Webb's elevation to chief executive, May has been recruited to take over the running of team affairs.

"I have a lot of mixed emotions about going," said May prior to departing yesterday, "but in the end Brentford have made me a great offer and it's a challenge that I have to take up."

May, who will be assisted in his new job by Clive Walker, first heard about the English club's interest late last week and the former Cardiff City boss had talks with Webb in London on Sunday before agreeing to the move, although he made it clear that nothing had been done without the knowledge of Dundalk chairman Enda McGuill.

The resignation is a further blow to Dundalk where there has already been a difficult build up to the new season as a result of reported financial problems. In a statement issued from Oriel Park, club officials made it clear that they hope to appoint May's successor over the next couple of days and it appears that former manager Jim McLaughlin may be offered his old job back.

Representatives of Shamrock Rovers, meanwhile, declined to comment on reports that the club has been served with a winding-up order by legal representatives of former player Paul Osam, who is pursuing a claim for £9,000 against the club.

A spokesman said that, despite claims to the contrary, the club had not received any legal documentation relating to the dispute recently.