John McDonnell (footballer)

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John McDonnell (born 26 March 1965 in Dublin) is an Irish football manager who currently manages St. Patrick's Athletic F.C. in the eircom league Premier Division. Nicknamed Johnny Mac, he had an accomplished career as a footballer before entering management. The majority of his career was spent at St. Pats and he captained the side to the 1996 League of Ireland Championship. He also won 1 Inter League cap while with Pats.

As a no-nonsense tough defender, McDonnell started his career with Shamrock Rovers (3 appearances), followed by Home Farm, Drogheda United before signing for Pats. After winning the league there he signed back for Rovers for the 1991/92 where he scored once in 34 appearances. After another spell at Richmond Park he moved to Newry Town. It was with the Northern Irish club that he made the first step into management, becoming player-manager in 2000. His time there wasn't as successful as he hoped and when the chance came to manage at newly founded League of Ireland side Dublin City FC, he moved on. Again his time was not spectacular but his coaching caught the eye of former St. Pats' team mate Pat Fenlon who appointed him as assistant manager at then league champions Shelbourne FC. McDonnell was awarded the honour of being assistant manager of the Republic of Ireland national team Under 20s at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championships.

In 2004, when Eamon Collins resigned as St. Pats manager, the club turned to its former captain and firm fans' favourite, McDonnell, to turn around the fortunes of the ailing Dublin giant. (Ironically Collins would take McDonnell's job as Pat Fenlon's assistant.) His side initially struggled and only a late burst at the end of the 2005 season saw St. Pats saved from a humiliating relegation. For the 2006 season, he assembled practically a whole new squad and reached the final of the FAI Cup losing to Derry City 4-3.

Preceded by Eamon Collins

St Patrick's Athletic manager 2004-present

Succeeded by current holder

St Patrick's Athletic F.C. - Current Squad
1 Ryan | 2 Brennan | 3 Frost | 4 Mulcahy | 5 Maguire | 6 C Foley | 7 Kirby | 8 Fahey | 9 O'Neill | 10 Rooney | 11 M Quigley | 12 Lynch | 14 M Foley | 15 Murphy | 16 S Quigley | 17 Fitzpatrick | 18 Ndo | 20 Clarke | 21 O'Connor | 22 Arkins | 23 Guy | Manager: McDonnell