Stephen Kenny is now weeks into his management return with St Patrick's Athletic but it has been a sobering stint for the former Ireland boss since he took the job.
Defeats to Derry City and Shelbourne made for a slow start before his side were pegged back late to settle for a draw with Bohemians.
They did get their first win under the Dubliner at home to Galway United last week, but that momentum was short lived.
Jon Daly, who was replaced by Kenny at the club, came back to haunt his former side as his Dundalk picked up a crucial win over St Pat's in the race to avoid relegation.
Three quick-fire goals from the visitors gave Kenny's side too much to do in a 3-2 defeat, with the result having a clear impact on the table.
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓. 𝐀. 𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋!!! 🤯
Jamie Gullan with an unbelievable free-kick in Inchicore!
What a start for @DundalkFC!#PATDUN | #LOI pic.twitter.com/pMsXSrH2ux— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) June 3, 2024
St Pat's have won just one of their previous seven League of Ireland matches and know that Dundalk - who are in the relegation play-off place - will cut the gap to just a point if they win their two games in hand.
Brian Kerr Addresses St Pat's Relegation Fears
Pat's still have a seven-point buffer from the relegation spots with Dundalk yet to play those two fixtures but naturally their form has put them in the discussion.
Former Ireland boss and current pundit Brian Kerr is a devout Pat's supporter and he addressed their relegation prospects on Virgin Media.
"Pat's have got to start looking below them now.
"They have to start getting some consistency in their results. That is four defeats, a draw and one win in the last six games with two different managers. It is just not good enough."
"You're never too good to go down."
Brian Kerr on relegation worries for his beloved St Pat's.#PATDUN | #LOI pic.twitter.com/Xayylazj83— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) June 3, 2024
Kerr does have faith that they will avoid the drop despite their ongoing issues, citing their personnel.
'It is relegation form at the moment but I don't think overall they will be in the relegation zone.
"I think they have enough quality in the squad.
He continued: "I don't think it is that critical at the moment but it is not a great position for the club to be in, who were expecting to be in contention for the title."
Drogheda United now find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table after Dundalk's win, eight adrift of St Pat's.
