Stephen Kenny has been the talk of Irish soccer since making his return to League of Ireland management with St Patrick's Athletic.
The club confirmed the appointment of the former Republic of Ireland head coach on Thursday morning in a statement as they look to rediscover their form.
Kenny departed his role as Ireland boss last November after a dour 2023 saw the team miss out on a EURO 2024 play-off place and win just three games all year.
Despite the disappointing end result of his time in charge, Kenny remained a popular figure among many Irish fans, and was responsible for handing senior debuts to a remarkable 24 players during his three years as manager.
He most notably forged his legacy in the League of Ireland when taking a dominant Dundalk side to a victory in the group stages of the Europa League.
However, he has inherited a St Pat's side that had underwhelmed this season, languishing in seventh place upon his arrival.
His first game saw St Pat's welcome the challenge of Derry City but it would not go to plan in a 1-0 defeat.
A decisive finish from Derry's Paul McMullan in the second-half would prove the difference with Patrick McEleney - a key player under Kenny in the past - creating the goal.
A BIG goal in Inchicore. #LOI | #PATDER pic.twitter.com/Qv0fGMOKYn
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) May 17, 2024
Kenny was pitted against Ruaidhri Higgins - who worked under him in the international set-up - in the opposite dugout on the night.
Stephen Kenny pragmatic after losing first game in St Pat's reign
Kenny was happy with the performance of his players - who were applauded by the home supporters - despite the defeat, although he warned that things won't get any easier.
It is a quick turnaround for Kenny and his side, who take on Damien Duff's Shelbourne on Monday night before battling Bohemians next Friday.
The supporters know the team is not perfect but we will be looking to improve and that is for sure," he told LOI TV.
"We have got tough games coming up. Obviously Derry tonight, Shels Monday and Bohemians Friday.
"So we have got a tough week and have got to dust ourselves down and bounce back. We can't be too despondent about that. We have got to leave that behind us.
"There was a lot of good elements to our play so we can take confidence from that."
Duff worked under Kenny in the Ireland reckoning but left his post suddenly in early 2021.
Stephen Kenny reacts to tonight's loss in Inchicore. #LOI | #PATDER pic.twitter.com/bUaHakxtwN
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) May 17, 2024
Kenny is clearly an admirer of Duff's work, praising Shelbourne for their impressive form this season.
I have only taken over since yesterday so obciously we will analyse Shelbourne's game," he said.
"They are having a fine season and have done very well. They are right at the top of the league so they have done really well.
"We will have to be at our best."
