Tom Coughlan: Doolin was always my first choice

Cork City chairman, Tom Coughlan has stated that Paul Doolin was always his first choice in finding Alan Matthews successor.

"Paul was always my first choice. I spoke to him last Friday for the first time after he had finally gotten things sorted with Drogheda the day before."

Speaking to the media at Doolin's unveiling as new Cork boss, Coughlan was also adamant that no other manager's were approached, despite being quoted on several occasions as saying that he had interviewed other individuals.

"I didn't speak to any other manager. I tried making contact with Sammy McIlroy but they (Morecambe) stopped us from making any contact with him."

When quizzed on the licensing process, he had no problem in reiterating that he is confident the club will participate in the Premier Division.

"There's no doubt concerning where we will be playing next year it's all been dealt with. We have somebody working full time on the licensing process and I'm definite we'll get the licence" said Coughlan.

While he was also keen in stressing that all the playing staff are up to date "All players have signed up to a pay agreement; as well as those who are no longer with us.

However, the man who succeeded Arkaga in October refused to comment on any settlement with Alan Matthews.

Despite reports of a creditors group, headed by the Deanrock bar, having said that they're still owed money, Coughlan also denied that there are any debts still to be paid back.

"All of this was dealt with in the examinership period and we don't owe anything" he proclaimed.

Coughlan was also eager to praise John Delaney for bumping up the prize money for the 2009 season to €500000.

Meanwhile, Cork City supporters trust; FORAS were keen to back Doolin. In a statement released on the trusts website, the steering committee said: "FORAS wish to congratulate Paul Doolin on his appointment as Cork City FC Manager and to extend a warm welcome to him as he takes up his new role."

"Paul brings strong experience to the role after seven years of management within the domestic league, firstly with UCD and later Drogheda United where he lifted four major trophies to go with the many honours he won as a player."

"We call on all supporters to rally behind Paul, his management team and players as we face into the 2009 season." concluded the press release.