LAST UPDATE | 22 May 2023
JON DALY HAS been given the St Patrick’s Athletic manager’s job on a permanent basis following an impressive stint in caretaker charge.
The Dubliner was named as interim boss by the club following the departure of Tim Clancy at the start of this month, and The 42 understands two former senior Ireland internationals had also been in contention for the Richmond Park hotseat.
Ex-Celtic manager Neil Lennon had also been linked following an approach from intermediaries, but that was not a viable option.
St Pat’s have instead opted to stick with Daly, who had been Clancy’s assistant, as a result of securing three wins from four games while at the helm.
It’s believed that the first-team squad were made aware of the decision at training today.
A 3-2 defeat to champions Shamrock Rovers has been the only blemish on Daly’s record but, after bouncing back with an impressive 1-0 win over Shelbourne in a Dublin derby at Tolka Park, the 40-year-old has earned the opportunity to make the job his own.
“I’m very happy to be the manager of this fantastic club and am looking forward to the challenge”, said Daly.
“I’d like to thank the club for the opportunity and will be doing my best for everyone involved in St Pat’s. We’ve been happy with our performances over the last four games and have picked up three important wins.
“The attitude of the players has been excellent and we’ll be looking to keep that going, starting on Friday against Dundalk in front of another big crowd at Richmond Park.
“Our supporters have been fantastic, as they showed again at Tolka Park on Friday, it makes a huge difference to the players on the pitch and we are looking forward to being back at home in Inchicore on Friday.”
Dundalk, managed by Clancy’s predecessor Stephen O’Donnell, visit Inchicore this Friday.
Updated at 16.54 with confirmation from St Pat’s