Stephen Kenny's return has been welcomed by Derry City fans

Kenny, who left Derry in November 2006, has signed a three-year contract, and he succeeds John Robertson who was dismissed after just six months.

"It was a big decision to leave Scotland but I am grateful for the opportunity," said Kenny.

"If we are going to be successful, Derry will have to be the hardest working team in the league."

In his first spell in the Brandywell hotseat, Kenny guided Derry to the FAI Cup, two League Cups and through two Champions League rounds.

Dubliner Kenny began his managerial career at Longford Town in 1999, guiding them to promotion to the Premier Division of the Eircom League in his first season.

He won the league title in 2003 with Bohemians but was sacked by the Dublin club the following year.

Negotiations with Kenny were protracted but Derry officials always remained confident that the Dubliner would return to the club.

Kenny left the Brandywell last December to take over at Dunfermline but he was sacked from the Scottish club in December 2007.

Earlier this week, assistant boss Tony Gorman left Derry City.