Limerick 'not a drop down from Cork City' says new signing Connor Ellis

Former Cork City striker Connor Ellis has been unveiled as Tommy Barrett’s first signing as Limerick manager.

The striker put pen to paper on a two-year deal, while midfielder Eoin Wearen was also unveiled following his signing from Bohemians (story here).

20-year-old striker Ellis hails from Bantry, and moves to the Blues after four years at Cork City, where he was part of two under-19 National League-winning sides.

Speaking to the media at the University of Limerick, Ellis made it clear he was excited to be starting a new challenge.

“I came in last week and had a bit of a look around the club – I liked what I saw. The standard in training was good but Tommy was a big part (in signing) if I’m honest.

“His under 19s teams were always good to play against. I always respected his teams. Tommy was the real reason I’ve come to Limerick, he gives youth a chance.

“I had a good year last year at Cork, we won a few things but I didn’t play as much as I wanted to.”

Ellis found himself behind Karl Sheppard and now Irish international, Sean Maguire, last season.

“It was great playing with Sean Maguire last year. He was brilliant for the first half of the year, even the year before when I was on loan at Cobh I was still training with them.

“It’s frustrating when you have a player of that quality - I could bang a hat trick three days in a row in training and still wouldn’t be ahead of him.”

He managed three starts, and a further 17 league appearances from the bench for the league champions. He scored in facile victories over Galway United and Drogheda United in March.

Having played under-19 football with the Rebels, he has been reunited with some familiar faces.

“It’s very helpful knowing the lads [Cian Coleman and Chiedozie Ogbene] and I know some of the other lads too, like Killian Brouder. The fact that I’m still only an hour away from home is nice too.”

With game time difficult to find at Cork, Ellis believes he can show his talent while on Shannonside.

“I’m ready to be a main striker. Obviously I have to prove that, there’s no guarantee I’ll play.

“Everybody knew I was offered a new deal at Cork, but being realistic I would have been second or third choice striker and I don’t want that.

“It’s up to me to knuckle down and prove I’m good enough to play at this level.”

Having worked with the Cork first team since mid-2016, Ellis was full of praise for his former employers.

“John [Caulfield] was brilliant to me to be fair. I have a lot of respect; he brought me out of the youth team and gave me my debut.

“I still made 20 league appearances last year for a team that won the double, so he gave me plenty of opportunities.

“At the same time, he realises that I need to play, he wasn’t happy but he’s a nice guy and wants what’s best for me.”

With several former League of Ireland players making the move to England, Ellis remained measured about his chances.

“I’m realistic - football is a funny game. I could do well and go to England in a year but on the flip side, I could come in and in a year to club could say ‘Listen, you’re not good enough to play here.’ I know I have to work hard and if I score goals that will help move Limerick up the table.”

When asked about the potential drop in standards from Cork, the former Cobh Ramblers loanee was adamant that would not be the case.

“I wouldn’t sign a two-year contract if I didn’t think the players here were good enough to compete in this league. I don’t see Limerick as a drop down [from Cork City] because I haven’t even proved I’m good enough to play for Limerick.

“I have 20-25 League appearances – only five or six starts – so I don’t have the right to be looking at Limerick as a drop down. I’m just here to work hard and prove I’m good enough to play for Limerick.”

Ellis notched twice in 21 league games for Cork City, having started just three games since his debut in late 2015.

He also found the net for first division Cobh Ramblers five times in 12 outings, having joined on loan for the second half of 2016.

Meanwhile, Barrett spoke highly of new signing Eoin Wearen.

“He had a terrible cruciate injury last season but has come back. I just like Eoin, he’s the right age – 24 – bit of experience, great attitude, lovely kid to talk to, nice guy and he trains very well.”

Barrett belives that the former West Ham player can add significantly to the Limerick squad, “He’s got two good feet, he’s six foot two and in great shape.

“He adds a bit of size to the squad. Defending set-pieces in this league is important. He’s a great signing for us.”