St Patrick’s Athletic have announced the departure of Johnny McDonnell with immediate effect.
The 43-year-old has left the club after discussions with club CEO Richard Sadlier.
McDonnell enjoyed four years as manager of the club. He guided them to the FAI Cup final in 2006 where they narrowly lost 4-3 to Derry City.
Last season he led the club to their best ever run in European football, defeating JFK Olimps and IF Elfsborg.
They lost 2-0 on aggregate to Hertha Berlin in the first round proper of the UEFA Cup, with his side unlucky not to go through.
The Saints have finished runner-up in the Premier Division for the last two seasons.
Failure to win the league with one of the largest budgets in the league, and substantial financial losses in the last year, saw the club announce the decision to revert to part-time football for the 2009 season.
Prior to that, nine players had been released from the squad and Keith Fahey’s transfer to Birmingham City was confirmed.
Alan Matthews has been installed as the early favourite for the post, with Pat Scully and Damien Richardson also possible candidates.
Pat’s legends Brian Kerr and Paul Osam may also be in contention.
