Stephen Kenny makes return to football with five-year deal at St Patrick's Athletic

The Saints have persuaded the former international boss to return to the League of Ireland.

THE SAINT: New St Pat's boss Stephen Kenny.

Stephen Kenny has been appointed head coach of St Patrick's Athletic.

The Saints have tempted the former Boys In Green boss back to the League of Ireland with a five-year deal in Inchicore.   

"It's been a bit of a whirlwind," Kenny says, "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 the 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." 

Before stints as senior international manger and Ireland U21 boss, Kenny, of course, enjoyed huge success with Dundalk, as well as Longford Town, Derry City and Bohemians.  

The 52-year-old succeeds Jon Daly, who was dismissed earlier this month.  

St Pat's face Ruaidhri Higgins' Derry City at Richmond Park on Friday evening before welcoming crosstown rivals Shels -- managed by Kenny's former assistant Damien Duff -- on Monday night.  

“𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 & 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗯” pic.twitter.com/DIIqLfHq8e

— St Patrick's Athletic FC (@stpatsfc) May 16, 2024

Chairman Garrett Kelleher added: "We are delighted that Stephen has committed to St Patrick's Athletic for the next six seasons.

"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.

"I also believe it is a boost for the domestic game, that someone with Stephen's ability to identify and nurture talent, acuity for the game, dedication and leadership has decided to stay in Ireland and commit his future to St Patrick's Athletic FC."