Roddy Collins has been appointed manager of bottom of the table Dublin City following the resignation of John Gill in the wake of the Vikings' 1-0 FAI Cup exit to Monaghan United last Friday.
Collins, who has been out of the game since he lost his job at then Nationwide League Division Three side Carlisle United in August 2003, takes charge of the eircom League Premier Division strugglers immediately and will be assisted by former Bohemians legend Terry Eviston.
Former Bohs boss Collins said of his return to the eircom League: "This is a massive challenge but I've been there before in situations like this and it's not one that I'll shirk from.
"In the three clubs I've been at I've been involved in around 160 relegation battles, so this is nothing new to me and to tell you the truth if the club had of been mid-table it wouldn't have has the same type of appeal. I like a challenge and I'm delighted to say 'The Rod is back'"
The 43 year-old added: "I'll sort it out. The bones of a good team are in place but players do need to come in and I may well have a big signing before Thursday's game with St Pats.
"Our season starts on Thursday. It's a big game but we won't get carried away and we'll have a few players to add in the coming weeks. There's only five points difference and sixteen games to go, so it's not quite panic stations. Everyone starts with a clean bill of health and I know what's required to ensure the safety of this club.
"I know Ronan Seery and how much he has put into making this club a success. My way of working is to give 100% commitment to the job and that's what I'll be asking the players - from the tea-lady to the youngest member of the playing staff – to get behind this club and give total commitment to achieving our goal for this season, and that is to finish one above bottom position."
City's chief executive Seery said of Collins' appointment: "I'm delighted to have acquired the services of Roddy Collins. There were several excellent candidates who came forward, but in the end Roddy's enthusiasm and total belief in his ability to come in and ignite our season was pivotal in the decision to give him the position. He has plenty of experience and profile he's fired up for the challenge and I'm looking forward to working with him."
Filed by James Boylan
