Kenna announced as new Pats boss
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Former Galway United manager Jeff Kenna has this afternoon been announced as the new boss of Saint Patrick's Athletic. Kenna had before Christmas agreed to continue in his role at Terryland Park for another year, however, last week's surprise departure of Johnny McDonnell from Richmond Park has opened the door for the 38-year-old Dubliner to return to his native city.
Kenna's desire to leave Galway was made clear in the weeks following the climax to last season's Premier Division campaign, in which the former Republic of Ireland international led the Tribesmen to safety on the final day, after the club had spent the majority of the season in the relegation zone. He applied for the managerial vacancies at Shamrock Rovers, Cork City, Dundalk, Huddersfield Town, Swindon and Oxford United, and has stated on record that he was offered both the Cork and Dundalk jobs, only to turn both down and remain on with Galway.
Kenna has, however, now decided to leave the Westerners with just days left to the beginning of pre-season training and take charge of Pats, with club CEO Richard Sadlier expressing his delight with the Saints' appointment. "Jeff brings a great deal of football experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to the role and everyone at the club is looking forward to working with him over the coming season," Sadlier told stpatsfc.com. Kenna will officially enter the hot-seat when the Pats squad return to training next Wednesday, 21 January.
Also talking to the club's official website, Kenna said he was looking forward to the challenge ahead. "Next season is a big challenge for Pat's but it's a big challenge for every other club in the league as well so I'm looking forward to it," Kenna stated.
"I've already seen most of the Pat's players in action so it will be good to start working with them on the training pitch. Before I joined Kidderminster in 2006, I nearly signed for Pat's, I even had talks with the club chairman so I am delighted now to be handed the chance of managing the side."
