Pluck of the Irish as Mac lands hot seat

FORMER Newcastle United rightback Neil McDonald has earned a surprise managerial role - with League of Ireland Premier Division side Limerick.

Interestingly, it had been reported that former ‘Entertainer’ Steve Watson was on a shortlist of two to claim the job earlier this week, with McDonald’s subsequent appointment seemingly surprising everyone.

The ex-England Under-21 international managed Blackpool, Carlisle United and Swedish club Ostersunds FK earlier in his coaching career, and was also assistant to Sam Allardyce at West Ham United and Blackburn Rovers, and was latterly part of Mike Phelan’s backroom staff at Hull City.

McDonald made 180 appearances for Newcastle between 1983 and 1988, scoring 24 times, before also playing for Everton, Oldham Athletic, Bolton Wanderers and Preston North End.

Limerick parted company with Martin Russell a fortnight ago and they have brought in McDonald to try and help the Super Blues push up the table.

Already 20 points behind runaway league leaders Cork City, Limerick are only seven adrift of the European places, in which McDonald will aim to finish this season.

In fact, McDonald is hoping to turn Limerick into an “A-star” club in Ireland.

“I’m very, very impressed with what the club is trying to do and how it’s trying to progress,” the 51-year-old former Wallsend Boys Club graduate told RTE.

“I’m sure it’s one of the clubs in Ireland that is on the up.

“I would like to be part of that to push it on to a new level – that’s why I’ve come. I’ve committed myself to the club on a long-term project.”