St Patrick’s Athletic have announced the appointment of Pete Mahon as permanent manager at Richmond Park.

The move comes after Mahon successfully steered the club away from relegation in the wake of Jeff Kenna’s resignation last September.

A seasoned campaigner; Mahon brings a wealth of experience to the managerial role having previously been in charge at St Francis, Bohemians and UCD. He has also had managerial roles with the Irish underage set-up.

Having enjoyed a good run in the Europa League during the summer the St. Pat's faithful had little else to shout about after below par league form saw them entrenched at the far end of the table for the majority of the season.

Poor home form had dogged Jeff Kenna’s tenure for much of ‘09 with the final straw coming after they suffered a 2-0 home defeat in the FAI Ford Cup at home to Waterford United on the 15th of September. Kenna made way shortly after allowing Mahon to step in as interim boss.

“I took over the job in difficult circumstances last season so I’m delighted to be back with the chance of really putting my own stamp on the team for next year,” said Mahon, who will continue to be assisted by former Dundalk manager John Gill.

“The club has only a couple of players under contract at the moment so we’re in for a busy few weeks and believe me the phone calls have started already.

“It’s a club with a proud history and a loyal support base - it was great to see supporters getting behind the club at the end of a tough season last year.

“Our aim now is to get a good squad of players together ahead of the new season and really give them something to cheer about in 2010.”