Furlong delighted with Leeside move

It’s been a busy few days for Cork City. Hot on the heels of Thursday’s signing of Daryl Kavanagh on a two year deal, Tommy Dunne is at it again. This time he has carried out what is surely some shrewd business with the capture of Wexford Youth’s striker and 2012 Airtricity First Division joint top scorer Danny Furlong – also on a two year deal.

Furlong was in Cork today to meet up with some of his new teammates. This evening, Extratime.ie caught up with the overjoyed 23-year-old to talk about his transfer to the Leesiders and what made him choose Cork City. 

“I’m absolutely delighted," he began.

“They were actually in contact with me last year, but Wexford had a change in staff and personnel so I decided I’d stick it out with them for another year.

“I had a phonecall off Tommy Dunne then about two weeks ago, and I just met up with him. Obviously I loved what he had to say. His ambitions and his aims for the next season and the next couple of years was obviously good enough for me.”

Having re-established themselves in the top flight the bar was always going to be set higher in Turner’s Cross this year. These ambitions are one thing, but Furlong was also quick to point out the influence of the Rebel Army’s fanbase in his decision.

“Playing down there over the last few years, I have always enjoyed it. The atmosphere and everything. It wasn’t just one thing – it all adds up. There was a lot of things to be honest.”

FORAS-run Cork City continue to buck the trend when it comes to contract lengths. Six of the 2012 squad finished the season already secure in the knowledge that they will be at the club next year, while both (Daryl) Kavanagh and Furlong have now also signed what are rare two-year deals.

“There’s not many clubs that do offer two year deals now so that was another that came into it as well. The main thing was though, even when I was at Wexford Youths [I was impressed by] Cork City and everything that went with the club down there.

“They have a great philosophy of bringing up young lads and mixing them with a bit of experience as well. It’ll be a huge part of my learning curve and hopefully it works out well for me.”
Cork City has a long tradition of top quality strikers. The English leagues are littered with ex Cork City strikers with the likes of Graham Cummins and Roy O’Donovan securing moves to England in recent years. Being from Wexford, obvious comparisons will be drawn amongst the Cork City faithful with one of their biggest success stories – Kevin Doyle.

This Wexford striker isn’t getting carried away however and laughs such suggestions off with a certain maturity rather than letting such appraisals become pressure.

“It’s all a little banter. Obviously it’s nice to hear those things, and I would like to thank everyone for the support I have received so far, but this is where the hard work starts for me.

“I’ve a lot to do and I’m not going to be taking anything for granted.”

Leaving Wexford Youths was never going to be an easy decision, but after six years at the club Furlong leaves with their blessing – something which he explains was important to him.

“As I said, I could left last year but the season that had finished, we only finished on fourteen points so it wouldn’t have been a great time to leave. Especially with the new faces, I had to give it another shot.

“To be honest I’ve been thinking about it since the end of the season I suppose, that a few offers were going to come in. I’ve been speaking to a few of the lads and they’ve even told me that if the right offer comes do go and challenge yourself.

“I’ve given Wexford Youths six years since they first came into the league. I had a few chats with the manager and assistant manager. They said they totally understood where I was coming from.

“Luckily enough I left the club with good memories and on good terms. Obviously it was nice to end things that way.”
Unlike players who move amongst Dublin clubs, Furlong also faces the prospect of relocating to Cork (at Dunne’s request) where he will live with three or four of Cork City’s other players. This will no doubt help the young striker settle in with his new teammates, some of whom he only met today for the first time.
Cork City’s newest addition admits he was equally impressed with the welcome he received today as he was with the city itself as he tells us he is already making plans with his future teammates for his arrival.

“Talking to a few of the lads too, in fairiness they’ve all been sound out and they’ve welcomed me with open arms. Obviously that’ll make it easier for me. It’s not as if I’m going down to total strangers.

“I’ve been down to Cork a few times before and I like the city as well – that’s another thing.

“Nothing but good vibes and good messages so far, so it makes it easier.

“Myself and John Dunleavy are even planning on going fishing and going golfing and stuff as well. We’ve planned a few mad things in fairness.”
Like any 23 year old Furlong is excited at his new beginning, but he is not about to get carried away and reiterates that his primary focus is the job at hand which will include forcing his way onto Dunne’s starting eleven.

“The squad is absolutely brilliant as it is already. Obviously I’ll have to try break into the team first, then I’ll have to try keep a place. It’s a challenge for me, but it’s something that I’m looking forward to.”

What are your thoughts on Cork City’s signings so far? Who else would you like to see Tommy Dunne bring to Leeside? Leave a comment below and tell us your view and most importantly, stay tuned to Extratime.ie over the coming weeks for all the transfer news as it breaks.