Vinny was natural choice to take over

THROUGHOUT his six years at Dundalk, Stephen Kenny had at his side, Vinny Perth, who had played for him at Longford, and when the Irish job beckoned in November, 2018, many were surprised that the Dubliner was the choice of the owners to take over as head coach.

‘I wasn’t surprised’ said Stephen Kenny ‘for I knew that Vinny had the credentials to do the job, and he had earned the right to get it.’

His achievement in bringing the club to the brink of a historic treble (League, FAI Cup and League Cup) was remarkable for a first season, and Stephen has no doubt that his former assistant will achieve even more honours for the club.

‘I have been very fortunate when I was at Dundalk that we had great people at the club, many of whom worked behind the scenes, people like Colm Murphy and his wife Janette who were invaluable, Des Dunleavy who does so much for the players, press officer Darren Crawley, Anthony Bravender on social media and Harry Taaffe, the videographer who was always there for me. Liam Burns, the U-19 coach, is also a great clubman.’

During the hectic 2016 when the manager was the only full-time member of the backroom team, others such as Vinny Perth, Steve Williams, Gerry Spain and Ruaidhri Higgins were trying to fit in their day jobs, and earned their tribute from the former boss. ‘They are unbelievable people whose commitment to the club was exceptional.’

The manager also revealed that he had outstanding physiotherapists at the club during his time - Paul Cheshire, Ferghal Kerin and Danny Miller - and strength and conditioning coaches like Graham Byrne and therapist Sam Rice, doctor, David Connolly, all of whom were doing their day jobs or working with colleges and other teams at the time.

‘They all made outstanding contributions, including the office team under Martin Connolly and Ailish Kelly who kept the club functioning.’