RODDY COLLINS will return to Airtricity League management on Friday night when his new club Monaghan United play their first game of the season against Waterford United.

 

 

The Dubliner took the helm at Gortakeegan after Mick Cooke's sudden departure for Drogheda United ten days ago.

 

Collins has previously managed Bohemians - where he won league and cup honours, Carlisle United, Shamrock Rovers, Dublin City, Floriana FC and Cork City, although he never took charge of a game with the Rebel Army.

 

The former Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk, Athlone and Mansfield Town striker has had a high profile career in punditry in recent years.

 

Collins was encouraged to go for the vacant post by Monaghan player Alan Byrne, who is engaged to the new United boss's daughter.

 

Aidan Lynch was caretaker manager following the departure of Cooke to Drogheda and he will continue as Collins's assistant.

 

"I would like to thank Management Committee at Monaghan United for giving me the opportunity to return to grassroots football as senior manager at the club," Collins told the club website.

 

“There’s good players at the club. Shane Barrett, Dave Rodgers, Declan O’Brien and John Reilly are four good acquisitions.

 

"My predecessor Mick Cooke had assembled a strong panel of players before his departure. This squad contains a strong nucleus of last season's impressive side who was so unlucky to miss out on promotion. They also reached the concluding stages of the FAI/FORD and EA Sports Cups.

 

"I will not make any rash promises but I believe that we have a side that can deliver as good a performance as last season and I promise that I won't be found wanting in my efforts to achieve same and I know that the team is very much up for it."