The Derryman, speaking at the Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland (SWAI) awards last night, said the gap in matches between November and March was an “awkward time”.

O’Neill, acclimatising to his first job away from club management, added: “I thought the new experience of watching club matches for so long in the stand would be strange and it’s proved right.”

He said he was delighted to be accompanied to the awards by his Republic of Ireland assistant Roy Keane.

“Roy has a few scores to settle with some people here tonight and I’ll help him” he quipped.

Meanwhile, Liam Buckley’s feat in guiding St Patrick’s Athletic to the Airtricity League Premier Division title was recognised when he was named Personality of the Year at last night’s ceremony.

Having previously been

feted in 2009 while managing then-FAI Cup holders Sporting Fingal, Buckley becomes part of an exalted club of seven icons to have won the prestigious award twice or more.

The former Ireland striker fended off competition from fellow managers Stephen Kenny and Roddy Collins, as well as players Richie Towell, Killian Brennan and Anto Flood, in the vote taken of over 100 sports journalists.

“To win this award once was an honour, but doing so again is incredible,” said Buckley at the Conrad Hotel-hosted function.

Brendan Clarke, so central to the Saints’ title success, claimed the Goalkeeper of the Year accolade ahead of Peter Cherrie and last year’s recipient Gary Rogers.

The contribution to Irish football by the great Tommy McConville, who passed away in October at the age of 67, was acknowledged with the former Dundalk stalwart taking the Merit award.

A league winner with Waterford United in 1973, McConville played his last game at the age of 40.