McDonnell set for Newry return
Former St Patrick's Athletic manager Johnny McDonnell is set to return to Newry City as their new manager.
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
The 44-year-old Dubliner has been earmarked as the man to step into the job vacated by Gerry Flynn.
Flynn surprisingly resigned after two and a half years in the Showgrounds job after last Tuesday's win at home to Coleraine, and has since cited a fall out with club Chairman Paul McKenna as his reason for quitting.
McKenna subsequently denied any interference with Flynn's team selection and has moved quickly to appoint McDonnell, who returns to the club he both played for and managed in the nineties.
The former central defender was a key player for Newry during their period of relative success in the latter part of the last decade and moved into a player/manager role as the club competed in European football for the only time in 1999.
He led them to victory over two legs against Croatian side Hrvastki Dragovoljac before they lost 2-1 to German Bundesliga outfit MSV Duisburg in the second round, winning 1-0 at home in the second leg.
McDonnell then went on to win two League of Ireland titles with St Pat's before taking charge of Dublin City, moving to Shelbourne as assistant manager and then returning to Richmond Park in 2006 to manage Athletic.
He said that it was financial problems which forced him to step down in January of this year but he now looks set to make his way back into football with City, who have enjoyed a steady start to the season under Flynn.
McDonnell was at The Showgrounds on Monday night tying up the loose ends on his comeback and being introduced to the first team squad.
He is likely to take charge of his first match as City boss when they take on champions Glentoran at home on Saturday.
© UTV News