Maciej Tarnogrodzki unveiled as UCD boss following shock departure of Collie O'Neill

Premier Division relegation candidates UCD have confirmed that under-19 boss Maciej Tarnogrodzki will take over as the club’s new first-team manager.

Tarnogrodzki takes charge of the Students who lie bottom of the Premier Division table after the departure of former boss Collie O’Neill was confirmed on Monday evening.

The 43-year-old returns to senior League of Ireland management after a brief stint with Bray Wanderers on a caretaker basis after Alan Matthews left the club in 2015.

The Polish native left the Seagulls soon after before taking charge of the UCD under-19 set up ahead of the 2017 campaign.

While in charge of the under-19s, Tarnogrodzki saw his side play in the UEFA Youth League – where the Students took Norwegian side Molde to a penalty shootout.

Current first-team members Conor Kearns, Mark Dignam, Evan Farrell and Sean McDonald were all members of that side who pushed the Norwegians all the way.

Shamrock Rovers winger and current under-21 international Neil Farrugia also featured in that side, after the youngster made his first-team debut for UCD in February against Cabinteely.

While in charge of the under-19s, Tarnogrodzki completed his UEFA Pro Licence – which allows him to manage in the top-flight.

Tarnogrodzki's first game in charge of the UCD first-team will see them face St Patrick’s Athletic in the second round of the FAI Cup on Friday evening.