Neil McDonald appointed assistant at Scunthorpe

McDonald, who was in charge at Bloomfield Road when Blackpool were relegated to League Two, signed a two-year contract with the League of Ireland Premier Division side in May of last year.

But he has now opted to leave that role in favour of moving to Scunthorpe, where he will be number two to former Fleetwood Town boss Graham Alexander.

The 52-year-old previously worked with Alexander at Preston North End, where he was a youth team coach while Alexander played for the first-team.

McDonald, who has also managed Carlisle United and Swedish side Ostersunds, only won 13 of his 50 games at Blackpool.

Limerick chairman Pat O’Sullivan thanked McDonald for his contribution to the club, having secured their Premier Division status and leading them to a first FAI Cup semi-final appearance in 23 years.

O’Sullivan said: “The club and myself are naturally disappointed to be losing Neil at this time.

"However, when an opportunity like this is presented to your manager, where there is potential for him to be in the English Championship next season, Limerick FC is more than happy to fully back Neil and support him in taking up this position.

“It is also a compliment to Limerick FC that even though Neil has only been with us a short time, that his work has been rewarded with this very positive opportunity in his career. We thank Neil for his contribution to Limerick football in his time here.

“We also thank Neil for his help in the development of our young players, which brought about a rare opportunity for a League of Ireland club to have one of its players trialled at one of the top English Premier League clubs – that is a compliment to Neil’s managerial ability."

The Chairman added: “I wish to place on record Limerick FC’s thanks to Scunthorpe United FC for their professionalism in their dealings with us and we wish both Scunthorpe and Neil the very best of luck.”

McDonald arrived at Limerick with the aim of preserving the club’s top-flight status in their first season back in the Premier Division, and he believes he achieved his three objectives during a “fantastic time” at the club.

McDonald said: “I had a fantastic time at Limerick even though it was a short period.

"I came to do a specific job; to help the club maintain its Premier status, to thin the squad out as it was top-heavy and to give the young players a chance – I’d like to think that I achieved all three.

“I want to thank Pat O’Sullivan, the board and all the staff for helping me to settle in so well. It can be hard to settle when you move to a new country but thanks to everybody at the club I was able to do that quickly.

“Limerick will always be my club in Ireland; I will watch them every chance I get and hope that they do very well, which I’m sure they will. I had a great time and I wish the club the best of luck.”