Cork add Forde & O'Connell to squad

JASON Forde and Andy O’Connell have joined Cork City for the 2014 Premier Division season. The defenders, who have had success at u19 level for the club, have both been training with Cork during pre-season.

Andy O’Connell made his Cork debut back in October 2011, coming on for the last two minutes against the now defunct Monaghan United in the First Division. Andy has played at centre back during pre-season and now hopes to challenge for a first team place. “I think the manager sees me as a centre half now and I’m probably more comfortable back there, so I just need to get used to playing there,” he said to CorkCityFC.ie, before adding, “I hope to make as many appearances as I can in the season ahead, and I hope we will be challenging at right end of the table.”

Jason Forde has played mostly at left back for the u19 squad but he’d be happy to break into the first team as a defender or a forward, saying “I’ve been around the squad now for a few years, so hopefully I can get into the team and get a few games this year. I was always a left winger before I came to Cork City, but I’ve played left back since I signed here, so I am happy to play in either position.”

John Caulfield was very happy to add two local players to the squad for the upcoming campaign and he feels that they will be good additions. Speaking to CorkCityFC.ie, the Cork manager said that Andy O’Connell had done well in pre-season and that “he has improved very quickly, and he has massive opportunities ahead of him.” John also commented that “Jason is a very tidy, skilful player. He has been working very hard in training, and he is another good addition to our squad.”

Andy O’Connell will be given the number 16 jersey for the season, while Jason Forde will be given the number 14 jersey.