Jeff Kenna back with Birmingham City in coaching role

Nov 25 2009 by Andy Walker, Birmingham Mail

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FORMER Blues defender Jeff Kenna has returned to St Andrew’s in a coaching capacity.

The 39-year-old had been embarking on a managerial career back in his homeland of the Republic of Ireland but quit as boss of St Patrick’s Athletic back in September.

Now, with a base still in the West Midlands, Kenna has decided to return to the club where he spent three years as a player.

The Dubliner will work as a community development coach, alongside former Blues stars Kevan Broadhurst, Graham Hyde and Jerry Gill.

The new role will see him train local teenagers as part of the club’s Football Development and Education Programme.

“I’m really pleased to return to a club that is very close to my heart. I had two very successful seasons with Blues and I’m happy to be back,” said Kenna, who also had a spell as manager of Galway United before St Pats.

“Not only is this a chance to pull the training kit back on but also an opportunity to help make a difference for the lads we are coaching.

‘‘Hopefully, my experience will help to do that and the challenge now is to help them develop as players and as people.”