Former Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr has admitted that it's 'great' to be back at St Patrick’s Athletic in the capacity of Director of Football.
Kerr, 44, whose international contract with Ireland was not renewed in October 2005 after failing to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, returns to the Richmond Park club where he won two league titles in 10 years as manager from 1986.
Kerr was appointed to the new role by new owner Garrett Kelleher, a 44-year-old property developer.
'It's great to be back, but I'm sure as regulars at Richmond Park will know, I never really went away,' he said.
'Since leaving the National team job I have had a small number of opportunities to work abroad and in Ireland. Some of those offers I chose not to pursue and a number did not ultimately crystallize into firm offers.'
'I was never really attracted to the English game or living in England and so when Garrett Kelleher approached me I reviewed my position. Now my energies will be concentrated on establishing the Super Saints as one of the leading clubs in Ireland.’
Kerr also stressed that the Inchicore club would not be leaving their stadium in Richmond Park.
'I think Inchicore is a great area for an Eircom League club,’ he stressed.
'Since I was manager in 1996, the Luas has now been installed and the stadium is very easy to get to from anywhere in South West Dublin.'
'We have no intention of leaving Inchicore. The area needs St. Pat's and St Pat’s needs the area.'
He added: 'We have made a great start to the new season, beating Longford Town away in the League and then 48 hours later going down to Cork and picking up our first ever away points in the Setanta Cup.'
