THE RISE & RISE OF KING KENNY

IT all started for Stephen Kenny with his request to lowly Longford Town to pitch for their manager’s position back in 1998.

After picking up only 12 points in the previous First Division campaign, the Midlanders took a punt on the 26-year-old from Tallaght who vowed to start afresh with a bunch of young, hungry players from Dublin.

There were the highs of those years with Longford, a first league title success with Bohemians, an FAI Cup final triumph with Derry, making a Scottish Cup final against Celtic at Hampden Park and the satisfaction gleaned over five trophy-laden years and a pioneering European adventure with Dundalk.

But there were lows too – the sack from Bohs, relegation with Dunfermline and nine difficult months at Shamrock Rovers. “My lowest ebb,” he recently admitted.

Now comes the ultimate high, the chance to lead the Republic of Ireland after two years with the Under-21s. Aged 48, Kenny’s dream job is finally his.

Longford Town 1998-2001

THE club was First Division fodder when Kenny arrived with a load of ideas and a determination to overhaul it.

With previous coaching experience from stints with St Pat’s under-21s and Tallaght Town, he became the League’s youngest ever manager (right) as he juggled the new role with his meat production business.

Promotion to the Premier Division came in his second season and, following a campaign of top flight consolidation, Longford reached the FAI Cup final where they lost to Bohemians but qualified for Europe for the first time.

Bohemians 2001-2004

HE breezed into Dalymount

Park as the Gypsies were suffering a hangover from a double-winning campaign.

Kenny steadied the ship, securing a top half league finish and - for the second season running was the losing manager in the FAI Cup final as Bohs were ambushed by Dundalk.

The 2003/04 campaign saw Kenny guide a team to the Premier Division title for the first time (left).

The following year Shels pipped the champions and, while in third place in the 2004 league campaign, the axe fell after the UEFA Cup loss to

Levadia Tallinn.

Derry City 2004-2006

KENNY quickly rebounded, taking the helm at Derry City just three weeks later.

Starting from a low base as Derry flirted with relegation, the Dubliner instigated a serious turnaround with the Candystripes rising to runners-up the following season.

Back in Europe after 40 years, a memorable UEFA Cup run saw Derry defeat two-time winners IFK Goteborg and Gretna before a 2-0 away loss to PSG. Derry went on to finish second again in the title race, on goal difference to Shelbourne.

Days after joining Dunfermline, Kenny returned for one Sunday only to lead the Candystripes to FAI Cup final glory.