Kenna jumps ship for Pat's

Jeff Kenna has taken the position vacated by Johnny McDonnell at St Patrrick’s Athletic, just a month after committing to Galway United for another season.

His assistant at Terryland Park, Ian Foster, has been named as his replacement and has already signed a two-year contract and his first player, as Galway look to carry on regardless.

Kenna has been given a season-long contract and will be unveiled by Pat's at a press conference on Friday afternoon.

While Galway expressed ‘disappointment’ at the news, little time was wasted in giving Foster a deal until the end of the 2010 season. The new man has already brought midfielder Derek O'Brien back to Terryland Park from Pat's.

At Richmond Park, chief executive Richard Sadlier said Kenna "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.”

Kenna added: "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.

"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."

Foster will base himself in Galway and will be selecting a backroom team over the next few days.

"We made enormous progress in the second-half of last season and we will be looking to continue that and make a strong start to the new campaign," he said today.

Galway United chief executive Nick Leeson assured fans there will be some more new signings over the coming days.

"We have a new sponsor on board for the next four years, a new kit deal for the next four years and a manager who is committed to Galway United FC for the next two years.

"The players know and respect Ian and know that he was more than a key part in last season's recovery and his appointment assures continuity.

"At this stage everyone in the club is looking forward to the start of the new season in March as we continue to build on the progress of the past few seasons," he added.

Kenna announced he was staying with Galway last month after discussing the possibility of taking over at Shamrock Rovers with officials of the Dublin club and also considering a move back to England.

At the time, the man who steered United clear of relegation and reached the semi-finals of both the Ford FAI Cup and the eircom League Cup, said: "I had a number of things to consider since the end of the season and I am grateful to Galway United for allowing me the opportunity to do that," he said.

"The best thing at this stage is to build on the progress we have made at Galway United and to that end I am really looking forward to the start of the new season."