Soccer:Defending champions Shamrock Rovers have confirmed the appointment of Derry City manager Stephen Kenny as Michael O'Neill's successor. The 40-year-old Dubliner was in his second spell at the Brandywell, but was approached by Rovers after O'Neill departed at the end of the Europa League campaign.

Rovers are expected to have to pay compensation to Derry City for Kenny, who had a year left on his deal with the club. He had also been offered a contract extension, but told City chairman Philip O’Doherty that he was returning to Dublin last week.

“Shamrock Rovers are delighted to confirm the appointment of Stephen Kenny as the club’s new manager,” Rovers announced in a statement this afternoon.

“With over 13 years managing at the top level of Irish football, Kenny brings a wealth of experience to the role ahead of the 2012 season. All at Shamrock Rovers would like to wish Stephen the best in his new role at the club.”

Kenny, who won a league title with Bohemians in 2003, was in the frame for the job three years ago before O’Neill embarked on a tenure that yielded two consecutive league titles and an unprecedented European campaign in the group stages of the Europa League.

This time round he is thought to have faced competition from the likes of former Ireland internationals Jason McAteer, Alan Kernaghan and David Kelly, while Brian Kerr and Sligo Rovers boss Paul Cook were also linked with the job.

His first task will be to secure the future of a number of Rovers players. Only eight — Gary Twigg, Stephen Rice, Ronan Finn, Ken Oman, Gary O’Neill, Chris Turner, Stephen O’Donnell and Ciaran Kilduff — are contracted to the club for the coming season.