Gaynor takes charge at Kilkenny

Kilkenny City have appointed Tommy Gaynor as manager following yesterday's announcement that Brendan Rea had parted company with the club.

Gaynor, who was signed for Nottingham Forest by Brian Clough in 1987 before enjoying a spell with Alfie Hale's Kilkenny ten years later, has agreed a deal until the end of the season.

The Limerick man will be assisted by current Kilkenny under-21 manager Noel Byrne.

"I enjoyed my football with Kilkenny and Alfie Hale and I am really looking forward to working hard towards bringing City up the First Division table," the former forward said.

"The club has made amazing progress at its Buckley Park grounds since I played there and that good work has now to be matched on the park."

Gaynor will meet the players for the first time at training tonight as he begins preparations for Sunday's trip to Athlone Town.

Rea officially left Kilkenny City yesterday, citing work and family commitments.

Club director Jim Rhatigan had hoped Rea's appointment in February would signal a new beginning for the club but results this season have not gone Kilkenny's way.

Kilkenny are rock bottom of the First Division having won just two of their 18 league games and have also been eliminated from the League Cup.

But new boss Gaynor does have an FAI Cup third round clash with Cork City to sink his teeth into next month.

• St Patrick's Athletic manager John McDonnell has added former Blackburn striker Keith Barker and Czech midfielder Michal Macek to his squad.

The pair were signed before Monday's Uefa deadline and are eligible for next week's Uefa Cup match against Odense.

It brings to five the number of new faces at Richmond Park. Defender Dave Rogers and midfielders Michael Keane and Billy Gibson signed last week.