Soccer

Manager Jon Daly departs St Patrick’s Athletic after defeat to Sligo Rovers

Daly led the Saints to FAI Cup glory last November but Monday’s defeat was their seventh in the league this season

Manager Jon Daly has left St Patrick's Athletic. Photograph: Dan Clohessy/Inpho

Gavin Cummiskey
Tue May 7 2024 - 14:39

St Patrick’s Athletic chairman Garrett Kelleher has confirmed the departure of Jon Daly from the Inchicore club.

Daly lasted less than 12 months as St Pat’s manager, which included winning the FAI Cup, after Monday’s 1-0 defeat to Sligo Rovers prompted a change of direction.

“We would like to thank Jon for his time at the club, and in particular our FAI Cup success at the Aviva last November,” said Kelleher. “We wish Jon the very best for the future.”

Daly’s 49 games in charge is seven less than Tim Clancy, who was also released following defeat to Sligo on the May bank holiday Monday in 2023. Clancy replaced Stephen O’Donnell who abruptly departed St Pat’s for Dundalk after cup success in 2021.

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Last month O’Donnell was sacked by Dundalk while Bohemians recently replaced Declan Devine with Alan Reynolds. Clancy has since been appointed Cork City head coach.

Daly’s record as St Pat’s manager, securing 1.64 points per game, was superior to Clancy’s 1.52 points over a similar amount of time. They finished third last year, 10 points adrift of Rovers.

New signing Ruairí Keating scored just three goals in 12 starts this season while Ireland under-17 striker Mason Melia has one goal from 14 appearances, mainly off the bench.

Despite securing strategic investment from the Kenosis Sports Group, fronted by NFL quarterback Joe Flacco and athlete turned politician Matt Birk, St Pat’s lie seventh in the Premier Division with five wins and seven defeats.

The new manager must reverse the side’s current form and prepare for a Europa Conference League qualification campaign later this summer.

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey is The Irish Times' Soccer Correspondent

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