Sheppard joins Cork City from Hoops

Cork City have this morning announced the signing of striker Karl Sheppard from Shamrock Rovers. The 23 year-old had been heavily linked with the Premier Division runner ups, and becomes John Caulfield’s first new addition of the off-season.

Despite his age, the former Republic of Ireland under 21 international brings a wealth of experience to the Leesiders’ attack, winning a league title and two Setanta Cups during his time at Shamrock Rovers as well as scoring for the Hoops in the Europa League group stage match against P.A.O.K..

His form for the Tallaght side prompted a switch to Reading in January 2012, but the former Galway United striker returned to Rovers a year later (initially on loan) where has he been ever since.

Speaking on his switch, Sheppard told CorkCityFC.ie that it was an easy decision to move to the Rebel Army.

“I am delighted to join the club. I spoke to the gaffer, he’s shown me around the club and, once I spoke to him, there was no second thought in my mind that I knew I wanted to come here.

“I saw how great the fans were last year; it is a place I want to come to, I want to do well and I want to win the league. The club is moving in the right direction and I am happy to be a part of it.

“Playing at Turner’s Cross was something I always looked forward to, so hopefully every week is going to be a big game for me now, playing in front of the big crowds. I just want to come down, work as hard as I can in pre-season and try to hit the ground running; I want score goals and play well.”

Cork City manager John Caulfield indicated his happiness at getting his man; especially so early in the off season.

“I’m delighted to have tied Karl up so quickly. He probably didn’t get an extended run in the team at Shamrock Rovers last year, even though he got quite a few goals in the run-in, but he is a prolific goalscorer, he works hard, has a great attitude and I think he is ideal for us. It is an area where we needed to get quality players in and he is an established player in our league.

“I think he will give us a lot more strength up top. He is experienced, he has played in our league for a number of seasons, he has got goals and done very well, and he has also played in Europe. He will add the goals and experience that I believe will bring us to another level and that is what we need.”

Caulfield also indicated that further additions can also expected at Turner’s Cross in the near future.

“We have tied up a lot of the lads who were here last season and we have a few more that will be tied up next week. Karl is the first new player in, but obviously I am looking at bringing in a few more players; talks are ongoing, and I hope by the end of next week, that 99% of the panel would be secured and ready to go for next January.”