Tony Mannion was last night installed as manager of Galway United for the third time after the club's new board started their reign by dispensing with the services of Dave Connell.
Mannion, who took the club to second place in the league during his first spell in charge back in 1986 and third in 1994 after he had returned to the helm, departed midway through the 1995/96 season when he was replaced by Denis Clarke.
He had been offered the job again during the summer following the dismissal of Don O'Riordan when he turned it down in favour of staying on with Salthill Devon as chief coach. Now, however, after being asked to take it on by a board that includes three prominent members of the junior club's committee he has accepted it on a caretaker basis while the parties involved decide what is to be done in the longer term.
Against the backdrop of so much upheaval at United, Connell's departure was not unexpected but Nial O'Reilly, who has himself returned to an administrative role at the club after having been chairman during the early 1990s, insisted that the manager's departure was based on financial considerations.
From a supporter's point of view, the appointment of Mannion will tend to re-enforce the suspicion that the club is indeed being taken over by their more affluent junior neighbours, a point that new board members were again at pains to deny yesterday, but the fact that he remains popular and has previously done so well while in charge is likely to go a very long way towards softening attitudes.
Tonight's Previews
UCD v Bohemians - Belfield, 7.30
Having been taken to the cleaners by Bohemians when they went to Dalymount during the first few weeks of the season, Paul Doolin will get an idea of just how much progress his young players have made since when the league champions make the return trip this evening.
The home side will again be without full back Alan Mahon whose ankle injury will keep him out for at least another couple of weeks. James Timmons (broken leg) will be out for much longer but Richie Purdy (torn calf muscle) has an outside chance of playing some part after returning to training during the week.
Bohemians will be without the suspended Stephen Caffrey which may well mean Tony O'Connor reverting to central defence and Brian Shelley starting at right back.
Last two seasons: 2000/01: UCD 0 Bohemians 1, Bohemians 2 UCD 0, UCD 3 Bohemians 4; 01/02: Bohemians 6 UCD 0.
Leading scorers: UCD: R Martin (six); Bohemians: Crowe (nine).
League form: UCD: D W L W W; Bohemians: D D L L D.
Referee: I Stokes (Dublin).
Derry City v St Patrick's Athletic - The Brandywell, 7.45
They may not score many but Kevin Mahon's side have become masters of maximising their points-to-goals ratio, a knack that has enabled them to greatly exceed all preseason expectations. The home side have no injury or suspension worries and so the team my well be unchanged from the one that beat Monaghan 2-1 last weekend.
St Patrick's, meanwhile, will take a look at Ger McCarthy (shoulder), Darragh Maguire (ankle ligaments) and Paul Osam (knee) before the team is selected. All three could be fit enough to take part although McCarthy would still probably have to settle for a place on the bench.
Last two seasons: 2000/01: Derry City 1 St Patrick's Ath 1, St Patrick's Ath 1 Derry City 0, Derry City 1 St Patrick's Ath 1; 01/02: Derry City 3 St Patrick's Ath 1.
Leading scorers: Derry City: T McCallion and Hughes (three each); St Patrick's Ath: Mbabazi (seven), Osam (five).
League form: Derry City: W L W W W; St Patrick's Ath: W W D W W.
Referee: D McKeon (Dublin).
