Kenny makes management return with St Pat's

Former Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has been appointed as new boss of League of Ireland club St Patrick's Athletic.

Kenny has signed a contract with the Dubliners until the end of the 2029 season.

The 52-year-old left his role as Republic of Ireland boss in November after failing to qualify for Euro 2024.

Kenny's first game in charge will see St Pat's host his former side Derry City at Richmond Park on Friday night.

Kenny, who replaces Jon Daly as St Pat's boss, has a wealth of League of Ireland management experience, having started with Longford Town at the age of 26.

He has also managed Bohemians, Derry City, Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk and Scottish side Dunfermline.

"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," said Kenny.

"Garrett Kelleher [chairman] 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."

Kenny is the most successful manager in League of Ireland history, winning four titles with Dundalk and one with Bohemians.

He has also won three FAI Cups during his career while he led Dundalk to the Europa League group stages in 2016.

But having impressed as Republic of Ireland Under-21 boss, Kenny was unable to lead the senior team to a tournament finals during his three years in charge and left with a record of 11 wins in 40 games.

"We are delighted that Stephen has committed to St Patrick's Athletic for the next six seasons," said St Pat's chairman Garrett Kelleher.

"As the most successful manager in League of Ireland history, we feel he is the perfect person to lead the club forward, both on and off the pitch."

St Pat's are seventh in the League of Ireland table having won just five of 16 games this season.