RODDY COLLINS has been appointed as manager of Dublin City FC following the departure of John Gill who resigned in the wake of last Friday's FAI Cup elimination at the hands of first division Monaghan United.
The Vikings acted quickly to replace Gill and club Chief Executive Ronan Seery engaged in a series of in-depth weekend interviews before confirming Collins as the new supremo of Dublin City FC this morning.
Collins takes up the reins immediately and will be assisted by former Bohemians legend Terry Eviston and will meet the players at the club's training headquarters at ALSAA this evening.
Collins' last position was as manager of Carlisle United but was dismissed from the position in August 2003.
He was in charge as the club narrowly avoided relegation in 2003 but he did steer them to a place in the LDV Vans Trophy final against Bristol City at the Millennium Stadium.
Said Collins about his return to managerial status: "This is a massive challenge but I've been there before in situations like this and it's not one that I'll shirk from.
"In the three clubs I've been at I've been involved in around 160 relegation battles, so this is nothing new to me and to tell you the truth if the club had of been mid-table it wouldn't have has the same type of appeal. I like a challenge and I'm delighted to say 'The Rod is back.'
Added the 43 year-old who has pencilled in a trip to master tailor Louis Copeland for a new suit for Thursday: "I'll sort it out. The bones of a good team are in place but players do need to come in and I may well have a big signing before Thursday's game with St Pats.
"Our season starts on Thursday. It's a big game but we won't get carried away and we'll have a few players to add in the coming weeks. There's only five points difference and sixteen games to go, so it's not quite panic stations. Everyone starts with a clean bill of health and I know what's required to ensure the safety of this club."
Collins has been waiting 11 months for the right offer to come along but was surprised because this has come out of the blue.
"I know Ronan Seery and how much he has put into making this club a success. My way of working is to give 100% commitment to the job and that's what I'll be asking the players - from the tea-lady to the youngest member of the playing staff to get behind this club and give total commitment to achieving our goal for this season and that is to finish one above bottom position."
Collins recently suggested that Dublin City was a club that was potentially relegation material but he's confident he can turn things around for the Vikings. "With the FAI cup out of the way, we can focus 100% on gathering league points. That's all that matters now and there'll be no cop out from me. It's up to me to sort it out and I'm relishing the prospect of getting back into action straight away."
"The players will need to display their desire to perform and to improve. I'll be looking to see if they can step up a level. There should be a new impetus and it's up to them to start delivering for the club."
Said Vikings Chief Executive Ronan Seery on Collins' appointment: "I'm delighted to have acquired the services of Roddy Collins. There were several excellent candidates who came forward, but in the end Roddy's enthusiasm and total belief in his ability to come in and ignite our season was pivotal in the decision to give him the position. He has plenty of experience and profile he's fired up for the challenge and I'm looking forward to working with him."
Collins, who formerly managed Bangor, Bohemians and Carlisle United will be assisted by Eviston who had a distinguished career as a player with Home Farm and Bohemians.
"Terry is a personal friend of mine but he's also a top class coach and he's been in this situation before. He has loads of experience and he's the right man to help me achieve our target of eircom League survival," said Collins.
Dublin City FC - The Rod is Back
