2011 Preview: Cork City
Credit:
Cork City
Founded: 1984
Major Honours: 2 League titles (1992/3, 2005), 2 FAI Cups (1998, 2007), 3 League Cups (1987/88, 1994/95, 1998/99).
Stadium: Turner’s Cross
Manager: Tommy Dunne
Captain: Greg O’Halloran
Transfers In: Danny Murphy (Shamrock Rovers),Timmy Kiely (Limerick), Alan Carey (Waterford United), Vinny Sullivan (Waterford United) Simon Holland (Youth team), Peter Krzanowksi (Crosshaven AFC), Vincent Escudé-Candau (Aviron Bayonnais), Derek O’Brien (Galway United), Jamie Murphy (Cobh Ramblers), James McCarthy (do).
Transfers Out: Cillian Lordan (Released), Shane Barrett (Monaghan United).
While Cork City finished 6th last season, the preparation was hardly ideal. There was a joke on Leeside towards the end of last season about manager Tommy Dunne and his persistent acknowledgment of their lack of pre-season. After every game he seemed intent on reminding us that they had played no friendlies, the bulk of his squad was built in little over a week and it was difficult for them to improve on the pitch with such little notice. Indeed, they were very valid claims.
Now, though, no such excuses will be permitted from an expectant fanbase. Former players such as Danny Murphy, Alan Carey and Vinny Sullivan have returned to the ‘Cross, while they have acquired two exciting players in French midfielder Vincent Escudé-Candau and winger Derek O’Brien, who has arrived from Galway. On the field, they’ve beaten Cobh Ramblers and Waterford United in the build-up to their opening league fixture at home to Wexford Youths, while defeats to Shamrock Rovers and cup double winners Sligo Rovers won’t have too much effect on what has been a solid pre-season.
Fans will be hoping for automatic promotion undoubtedly, but with five realistic challengers it’s going to be tough. A lot will depend on their home form – last season saw their best results come on the road – and if Dunne can add another goalkeeper and a second proven goalscorer to help out Graham Cummins, then it could possibly be a very good year down south.
Extratime Prediction: 3rd.
Founded: 1984
Major Honours: 2 League titles (1992/3, 2005), 2 FAI Cups (1998, 2007), 3 League Cups (1987/88, 1994/95, 1998/99).
Stadium: Turner’s Cross
Manager: Tommy Dunne
Captain: Greg O’Halloran
Transfers In: Danny Murphy (Shamrock Rovers),Timmy Kiely (Limerick), Alan Carey (Waterford United), Vinny Sullivan (Waterford United) Simon Holland (Youth team), Peter Krzanowksi (Crosshaven AFC), Vincent Escudé-Candau (Aviron Bayonnais), Derek O’Brien (Galway United), Jamie Murphy (Cobh Ramblers), James McCarthy (do).
Transfers Out: Cillian Lordan (Released), Shane Barrett (Monaghan United).
While Cork City finished 6th last season, the preparation was hardly ideal. There was a joke on Leeside towards the end of last season about manager Tommy Dunne and his persistent acknowledgment of their lack of pre-season. After every game he seemed intent on reminding us that they had played no friendlies, the bulk of his squad was built in little over a week and it was difficult for them to improve on the pitch with such little notice. Indeed, they were very valid claims.
Now, though, no such excuses will be permitted from an expectant fanbase. Former players such as Danny Murphy, Alan Carey and Vinny Sullivan have returned to the ‘Cross, while they have acquired two exciting players in French midfielder Vincent Escudé-Candau and winger Derek O’Brien, who has arrived from Galway. On the field, they’ve beaten Cobh Ramblers and Waterford United in the build-up to their opening league fixture at home to Wexford Youths, while defeats to Shamrock Rovers and cup double winners Sligo Rovers won’t have too much effect on what has been a solid pre-season.
Fans will be hoping for automatic promotion undoubtedly, but with five realistic challengers it’s going to be tough. A lot will depend on their home form – last season saw their best results come on the road – and if Dunne can add another goalkeeper and a second proven goalscorer to help out Graham Cummins, then it could possibly be a very good year down south.
Extratime Prediction: 3rd.
About Alan Smith
Alan Smith works as a sub-editor for the Guardian newspaper in London. Originally from Cork, he freelances for several other newspapers and websites. Follow him on twitter @alansmith90. View Full Profile