STEPHEN KENNY has put pen to paper on a long-term deal to be the new manager of St Patrick’s Athletic.
The ex-Ireland boss surprised fans with his return to the League of Ireland but revealed a special reason behind the decision.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
Kenny decided on Wednesday night that his return to the dugout would be with the Inchicore club.
The loose ends were tied up this morning with Kenny signing a contract until the end of the 2029 season.
The former Dundalk head coach revealed a big factor in the call was down to his mother’s background.
Kenny said: “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind, I’m looking forward to getting started, it’s a new chapter in my life and a new chapter for the club, and I’ll be giving it everything.
“Garrett Kelleher has shared his vision for the club with me for a long time, he has plans for the Stadium, to expand the club into America, European progression and a lot of exciting plans really.
“The reason I signed a longer contract is to build the club over a period of time and I’m looking forward to driving it forward.
“My mother used to come to watch St Pat’s, she’s from Inchicore and lived in Ballyfermot, so there’s a good connection there.
“It’s a big job ahead to re-build and to drive the club on. It’s such a busy time now with three games in a week and we look forward to it.”
Kenny has previously managed Longford Town, Bohemians, Derry City (twice), Shamrock Rovers and, most successfully, Dundalk, as well as a stint in charge of Dunfermline.
But taking charge at Richmond Park will see him turn full circle as he previously managed St Pat’s under-21 side before his first senior job with Longford.
Kenny had hoped to land a club job abroad after the FAI decided to end his tenure after three-and-a-half years spell.
As well as in England, Kenny was open to trying his luck further afield in Europe or even the MLS.
But opportunities have proven hard to come by because, although he had a proven track record with Irish clubs in domestic and European competition, as well as impressing in his time with the Ireland under-21s, his time in charge of the senior national team was underwhelming.
And Kenny – who had resisted previously overtures from Bohs and Dundalk – decided that his desire to make a speedy return work overrides his preference to work in foreign fields.