After narrowly avoiding the drop last season Galway United have been given a further boost by the news that manager Jeff Kenna is to remain at Terryland Park for the new season.

Galway's prospects looked grim when the former Ireland international arrived last April but he steered them clear of relegation and reached the semi-finals of both the Ford FAI Cup and the eircom League Cup.

Kenna was undecided at the end of the season as to whether he would remain with the club and interviewed for the Shamrock Rovers job. He was also linked with a move to Dundalk and a return to England.

Last night he thanked Galway for the time he was allowed to consider his options.

"I had a number of things to consider since the end of the season and I am grateful to Galway United for allowing me the opportunity to do that," he said.

"The best thing at this stage is to build on the progress we have made at Galway United and to that end I am really looking forward to the start of the new season."
 
Kenna's assistant Ian Foster will also stay on and Galway chief executive Nick Leeson has urged fans to back the duo and the team as they embark on a new season.

"It is great that there is continuity and that Jeff and Ian can build on the progress made so far," said Leeson. "We really need the people of Galway to get behind the side in 2009 and come out in the sort of numbers we saw in the closing stages of last season.

"The club recently announced a new four-year main sponsorship deal with O'Connell Drylining and a new four-year kit deal through the Elverys Sports brand Rival, so Jeff and Ian continuing the great work they are doing on the pitch is another major positive.

"I would just urge supporters to go and buy season tickets and help us build a very strong club for the season ahead," he added.