General
- Tuesday March 13th, 2007 @ 16:26
Exclusive :: Brian Kerr Returns To Richmond Park
It's great to be back, but I'm sure as regulars at Richmond Park will know, I never really went away.
I have been attending games at Inchicore every second Friday over the past few seasons. Over the past few years I have probably seen nearly as many eircom League of Ireland games than I did when I was managing in the League.
My new role at the club will be 'Director of Football' and straight away let me say that there will be no problem working with our manager John McDonnell.
John and I have worked together in the past and he won't have to be looking over his shoulder if the club hits a bad run of results. He can look over his shoulder all right, if he wants a bit of help or advice.
Since leaving the National team job I have had a small number of opportunities to work abroad and in Ireland. Some of those offers I chose not to pursue and a number did not ultimately crystallize into firm offers.
I was never really attracted to the English game or living in England and so when Garrett Kelleher approached me I reviewed my position.
Now my energies will be concentrated on establishing the Super Saints as one of the leading clubs in Ireland.
The whole project excites me. The whole community aspect excites me. People know of my involvement with SARI over the past few years.
I think we have an obligation to open up welcoming arms to new communities and particularly in the Inchicore area. The club already has direct link with the Polish community and last year a Polish team used Richmond Park for training. We also have strong links with clubs from Africa and we intend to expand those links in the future.
The key attraction for me and one of the main reasons why I am happy to come is that St Pat's will continue to play in Inchicore in what will be a modernised stadium.
The thought of moving to somewhere like Tallaght was abhorrent to me. I felt frustrated that unfair pressure seemed to be applied to the club from outside sources to move.
Since I was involved as a manager the League has switched to Summer football. Obviously there are advantages and disadvantages.
I think if people read back through St. Pat's programme notes when it was suggested back then, I suggested there would be pluses and minuses. continue...
