Pete Mahon departs Drogheda United

Drogheda United have announced that Pete Mahon has stepped down as manager following the club’s relegation to the First Division.

Mahon had been appointed as manager of the club in November 2015, after the club had been last relegated to the First Division.

In the 2015 season, Mahon had been assistant to Johnny McDonnell before leaving the club with McDonnell only to re-join temporarily for the final game of the season - a 5-2 defeat against Shamrock Rovers which relegated the Boynesiders’ – as interim manager Mark Kinsella’s 60 days in charge were up.

Mahon would lead Drogheda into the 2016 season in the First Division and guided them to the promotion play-offs where they beat both Cobh Ramblers and Wexford Youths over two legs to earn promotion back to the top flight at the first attempt.

In October 2016, just prior to the final league fixture of the season against UCD where a 2-1 victory over the Students secured a place in the play-offs, Drogheda announced that Mahon had signed a new two-year contract extension with the club which would see him stay in charge until the end of 2018.

However, following a hugely disappointing season where the Boynesiders’ won just five games – and drew seven others – and finished on 22 points, they were relegated back to the First Division at the first time of asking.

Mahon had been expected to remain in charge for the 2018 season and see out his contract at the Louth club but has opted to cut his stay short.

“I really enjoyed my time with Drogheda United ever since I arrived at the club,” Mahon told the club website.

“There have been high and lows during that time but the outstanding memory will always be the night we got promoted last year.”

“I have thought long and hard since the end of last season about what is best for all involved and I have decided not to continue as manager for the 2018 season,” Mahon said.

“I wish the club the very best in the future and I would like to thank the many people who have supported me during my time with Drogheda United including my backroom staff.”

Drogheda put on record their gratitude to Mahon, wishing him the best in the future and said they will begin the process of appointing a new manager in the coming days