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Keely Resigns

Kildare County's Dermot Keely has announced his resignation from the manager's position in order to take over at Premier Division side Derry City. The 49-year-old Dubliner was officially announced as City manager at a press conference Saturday night.

Keely takes over from Kevin Mahon who resigned from the position due to City's poor league position this season. This will be Keely's eleventh managerial job in Ireland, having previously led Shelbourne to the league title in 2001/02.

After getting permission from the Kildare Board on Thursday, Keely spoke to Derry about the vacant position at City. He revealed “I spent the whole weekend agonizing over my decision and finally it came down to the fact that I will be able to reside in Donegal and also the chance to manage at the highest level.

"I have the greatest of respect for all at Kildare County and wish them all the best in the future and I am sure that they will replace me and continue to go from strength to strength. I have made a lot of good friends in Kildare and it will be the second result that I will be looking for every week. I am sure that our paths will cross again, hopefully next season in the Premier Division”.

Rumours are rife about moves for Wayne Russell and Dermot's son, Alan to Derry City due to the return of Gavin Forde to England. Although nothing has been confirmed, Keely has said "An Eircom league goalkeeper has been approached and is interested in coming to the Brandywell"

County GM Pat McNally has stated: “The Club would like to wish Dermot the best and express our sincere gratitude for his work with Kildare County. He certainly put in place a strong structure that Kildare County can build on. It is now back to the drawing board for the directors of Kildare County. We are already looking for a new manager as we have an important game in the FAI Cup against Crumlin United next Friday and we hope to be in a position to appoint a successor before the game”.