STEPHEN KENNY HAS been appointed as the new manager of St Patrick’s Athletic.

The 42 reported positive discussions with the former Republic of Ireland boss over the weekend, and the club confirmed his arrival on a five-year deal this morning.

“St Patrick’s Athletic are thrilled to announce the appointment of Stephen Kenny as First Team Manager,” a statement on social media reads.

“The 52-year-old returns to League of Ireland management after five years working in international football, and has signed a contract at Richmond Park to take him to the end of the 2029 season.”

St Patrick's Athletic are thrilled to announce the appointment of Stephen Kenny as First Team Manager.

The 52-year-old returns to League of Ireland management after five years working in international football, and has signed a contract at Richmond Park to take him to the end of… pic.twitter.com/s8weMQCs4w

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

Kenny fills the vacancy left by Jon Daly as he returns to the club where he began his coaching career. The Dubliner led St Pat’s U21s to an AUL league title in 1997/1998, before going on to manage Longford Town, Bohemians, Derry City, Dunfermline Athletic, Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk.

Then came his spell with the Republic of Ireland U21s and men’s national team, his time with the latter coming to an end in November 2023.

Kenny is the most successful manager in League of Ireland history, having won five Premier Division titles, a League of Ireland First Division, three FAI Cups, six League Cups, two Leinster Senior Cups and one President’s Cup. He also led Dundalk to the Europa League group stages in 2016.

“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind,” Kenny said. “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.

“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.”

St Pat’s welcome Derry City and Shelbourne to Richmond Park on Friday and Monday respectively.

“As the most successful manager in League of Ireland history, we feel Stephen is the perfect person to lead the club forward, both on and off the pitch,” St Pat’s chairman Garrett Kelleher added.

“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.”