STEPHEN KENNY revealed that missing his football life was one of the factors that enticed him to St Patrick’s Athletic.
The former Ireland gaffer is back in management having agreed to a five and a half year contract at Richmond Park.
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Stephen Kenny revealed that his was missing football during a press conference after being unveiled as the new St Patrick’s Athletic manager
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Stephen Kenny said he was keen to get back to work after his departure from Ireland
And he admitted that his time out of work since his contract with Ireland was not renewed last November had him yearning to get back involved.
Kenny, 52, said: “I’ve only been out of work for a couple of months in 25 years. I’ve never not really been on the grass.
“I’ve always, although with the internationals, you’re not on it enough with the international team.
“And I think, maybe I struggle with that when I’m not. I need to work. That’s just the way I’m built. I’m happier doing that. I want to get back working and decided to do that.”
He made his decision to accept the Pat’s post that he was first offered last week following Jon Daly’s dismissal late on Wednesday night.
He added: “I made the decision late last night.
“Garrett (Kelleher, St Pat’s owner) had a clear vision for what he wanted for the club going forward.
SPECIAL JOB
“I was excited by that and by his plans and certainly in the time, my own personal circumstances changed as well (issue in wife’s family) – that changed part of my decision.
“But mainly I’m enthused by the fact that I’m coming here to a club with great tradition. I started off here (with St Pat’s Under-21s in 1997).
“My mother is from Keogh Square across the road, she used to come here. I’m looking forward to it.”
His job starts tomorrow with a meeting with Derry City, managed by his former coach Ruaidhrií Higgins before he faces Shelbourne and Bohemians next week.
And he acknowledged it will be a big job as he looks to turn the Saints – currently seventh in the table and nine points off top spot – into top dogs.
He added: “The team needs a lot of work, we’re at the wrong end of the table, near the bottom.
“It won’t be easy but that can change quickly with positive results, that has the ambition to try and do that. We’re looking forward to it.”
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