Stephen McGuinness will act as General Secretary of the players' union until a successor to Fran Gavin is appointed early in the New Year.

McGuinness is currently the PFAI  Players Relations Officer.   He has been on the management committee for the past eight years and was also chairman of the association between 2001-2005.

Gavin stepped down from the union's top job following his appointment as FAI Director of the League of Ireland.

"Firstly I would like to wish Fran all the best in his new career and to thank him for all his hard work in bringing the PFAI from a part time set up to a full time operation six years ago," McGuinness said.

"Our involvement with FIFPro has been pivotal to our association and with their continued support and the foundations in place both the management committee and I look forward to the growth of our association.

"Our move to Abbotstown is a strategic move into the football family and we look forward to playing our part and having our voice heard and the challenge ahead."