Season Preview 2017 - Cork City

Manager: John Caulfield

Stadium: Turners Cross

Players in: Jimmy Keohane, Achille Campion (Sligo Rovers), Conor McCormack (Derry City), Ryan Delaney (Burton Albion - loan), Shane Griffin (Reading), Christian Nanetti (Welling United), Rimvydas Sadauskas (Stumbras).

Players out: Gavan Holohan (Galway United), Danny Morrissey (Finn Harps), Craig Donnellan (Cobh Ramblers), Ian Turner (Limerick), Dave Mulcahy, Matthew Connor, Mark O'Sullivan, Kenny Browne (Waterford), Eric Grimes (Derry City), Chiedozie Ogbene (Limerick).

Extratime.ie Key Man: Sean Maguire

Last year’s cup final hero and PFAIvYoung Player of the Year will be looking to build on his impressive debut season for the Leesiders. The former Dundalk striker hit 29 goals across all competitions in 2016 and City will be hoping he can provide the firepower for their upcoming title charge.

Extratime.ie One to Watch: Shane Griffin

Griffin has signed a two year deal with his hometown club after spending three years on the books at Reading. The former Ireland under-21 international failed to make a first team appearance for the Royals during his time there but will be keen to progress his career with the FAI Cup winners. The 22-year-old can play in any position across the back four and will be eager to cement his place in a side aiming to overtake Dundalk at the summit of Irish football.

How they did last season:

League: 2^nd

FAI Cup: Winners

EA Sports Cup: Quarter-final (Lost 1-2 v Derry City AET)

Europe: Europa League 3^rd Qualifying Round (Lost 1-3 on aggregate v KRC Genk)

John Caulfield’s men will be reeling after finishing runners up for a third consecutive year. They did however bring home the FAI Cup after a dramatic last minute extra time winner against rivals Dundalk. On the European front, although not quite matching the Lilywhites on their group stage adventure, Cork were worthy opponents for Belgian giants KRC Genk and bowed out at the Third Qualifying stage of the Europa league.

What to expect this season:

Cork City will be hoping that 2017 will be the year they finally knock Dundalk off their perch. After falling short the past three seasons they will be expecting to celebrate a first league title win since 2005 come October.

Fans will be disappointed to have lost key defender Kenny Browne one week before the season starts along with promising youngster Chiedozie Ogbene who departs for newly promoted Limerick but, the re-signing of Sean Maguire is a major coup for Caulfield’s men.

Fresh from their President’s Cup victory last Friday, expect the Leesiders to be right up there come the business end of the season along with main title rivals Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers.

Title Odds: 11/4

First game: Finn Harps (away), 24^th February (kick-off 7.45pm).