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Drogheda United have confirmed that Pete Mahon will take control of the first team for the remainder of the season.

The Dubliner takes over as former Republic of Ireland international Mark Kinsella – who has been serving in a caretaker role since Johnny McDonnell stepped down in August – hasn't the requisite coaching qualifications to serve beyond 60 days.

Mahon will take charge United's final regular season fixture – against Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght on Friday – as well as a promotion/relegation play-off, should United finish in their current position of eleventh, against either UCD or Finn Harps.

An eleventh-place finish is the best the Boynesiders can realistically hope for – they're three points behind Sligo Rovers and Galway United but face a goal difference deficit of seven goals – but have a cushion of two points over bottom side Limerick, who travel to Sligo on Friday.

68-year-old Mahon began the season at Drogheda as assistant to McDonnell, while an illustrious career has seen him associated with St Patrick's Athletic – whom he led to the Europa League third qualifying round in 2011 – and UCD.

He made his name in Irish football as manager of St Francis, in 1990 becoming the first man to guide a non-League of Ireland side to the final of the FAI Cup in over 50 years, which they lost to Bray Wanderers at Lansdowne Road, as well as presiding over their three seasons in the League of Ireland.