Almost 15 years on from when he first arrived at the club, Peter Cherrie is back at Oriel Park as the club’s new first-team goalkeeping coach.

The 40-year-old Scot joined Dundalk in July 2009 and went on to make over 230 appearances for the Lilywhites across two spells, winning the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division title in 2014.

Cherrie left the club at the end of last season but a conversation with new Lilywhites manager Jon Daly this week paved the way for his return as part of the first-team coaching staff.

“It’s great to back,” said Cherrie. “It’s hard to believe it’s that long since I first came here!

“I sat down for a coffee with Jon and I was very impressed. He laid out his plans for the club and what he’s looking for and I think both of us have the same mentality, we’re hungry and want this club to be the best.

“My job is to make sure that the goalkeepers here are in tip-top condition and firing on all cylinders every day. I want them to train and play at their very best but I also want them to know that if things aren’t going well, I’m there to guide them and share my experience with them.”

Cherrie, who was on the bench for all but one of Dundalk’s league games last season, will also be registered as a player and provide emergency cover for Ross Munro and teenagers Sean Molloy and Samuel Safaie.

February 14th, 2011: Dundalk fans with a Peter Cherrie banner on display during the Setanta Cup game with Linfield at Windsor Park in Belfast. Picture: Mick Slevin

“It’s the best of both worlds for me,” said Cherrie. “First and foremost, I’m there to coach the goalkeepers but it also gives Jon that little bit of reassurance that if anything does happen, he has an experienced keeper who knows the league that is ready to step in if needs be.”

“I’m really pleased to get Peter back to the club as our first-team goalkeeping coach,” said Jon Daly. 

“It’s important for me to have people like Peter, who knows exactly what it means to play for Dundalk, in the building and around the squad. 

“He’s currently doing his UEFA Goalkeeping A Licence and continuing to educate himself and this will no doubt be invaluable in aiding the goalkeepers at the club. 

“I’m looking forward to working with him and have no doubt he will be a great success in the role.”

Cherrie is the second addition to Daly’s backroom team, following the arrival of Graham Kelly as coach and video analyst on Wednesday.