Keely resigns Kildare post to take the reins at Derry City
Keely was unveiled as the new Derry boss last night after the manager announced his resignation from Kildare.
Last Thursday he requested permission to speak with Derry City and Kildare County granted him that request. Keely remained in charge of Kildare County for the 2-2 draw with Sligo Rovers on Saturday evening and told the players of his decision immediately after the game.
Keely told Kildare County's website: "I spent the whole weekend agonising over my decision and finally it came down to the fact that I will be able to reside in Donegal and also the chance to manage at the highest level.
"I have the greatest of respect for all at Kildare County and wish them all the best in the future, and I am sure that they will replace me and continue to go from strength to strength.
"I have made a lot of good friends in Kildare and it will the second result that I will be looking for every week. I am sure our paths will cross again and hopefully next season in the Premier division."
He leaves County in a strong position. The club are currently in third place in the First Division and being tipped by many experts to challenge for automatic promotion, meaning they may possibly be in the Premier Division next season just two seasons after the newly-founded club joined the eircom league.
Whether Keely and Derry City will be in the Premier Division next season to greet Kildare if they come up is still in doubt. Currently second from bottom, Derry have been struggling to find any form this season something which ultimately forced the Derry City board to ask Mahon to resign and with one of the lowest scoring records (16 in 14 games) and most porous defences (24 conceded) in the league, Keely will have a difficult job ahead of him.
Mahon's reign at the Candystripes ended on Saturday night and Tuesday's 4-0 defeat to Longford was thought to have been the final straw for chairman Jim Roddy.
Keely's first game in charge is against Cobh Ramblers in the FAI Cup on Thursday evening.
