Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Mark Kinsella is to succeed Johnny McDonnell as manager of Drogheda United with the 43-year-old initially taking over until the end of the season.

McDonnell resigned from the job on Sunday morning in the wake of the team’s latest defeat in what has been a miserable run of form, one that has left them just four points clear of bottom-placed Limerick and at a meeting of United’s board a few hours later Kinsella was promoted.

The former Charlton star, who will be assisted by Derek Boyle, does not yet have the coaching qualifications required to be appointed on a long-term basis but will obtain an exemption to get through to the end of the current campaign.

“It didn’t go as well as we would have hoped,” said Pete Mahon, another member of McDonnell’s coaching staff who departed with him.

“But Mark’s a good lad and an excellent coach and often there’s a positive reaction to a change of manager so let’s hope it’s all a bit of a wake-up call for the players and they can turn it around.”

United started the season poorly but then appeared to be turning a corner with a run of 10 points from 12 which saw them consolidate. More recently, though, they have only managed two draws in their last eight outings and Friday’s convincing defeat by Limerick appears to have been the final straw for McDonnell.

Sligo Rovers, meanwhile, have confirmed the signing of 27-year-old winger Jennison Myrie-Williams, who previously played under manager Micky Adams during loan spells at Port Vale and Tranmere Rovers.

Sligo drew 1-1 at home on Saturday night with a Shamrock Rovers side that handed former Ireland winger Damien Duff his full debut.

Longford Town ended their eight-game winless drought with a 1-0 home win over Bray Wanderers.