How will the men from Cork do this year? Here’s our preview.
Cork City
Colours: Home – All Green Away – White
Home: Turners Cross
Manager: John Caulfield
Nickname: “City”, “Rebel Army”, “The Leesiders”
2014 odds: 16/1
Cork City are one of the biggest clubs in the country and have always had amazing home support. It’s been a while since Cork challenged for the league and they will want to change that sooner rather than later. Leeside legend John Caulfield is the new manager this season and the home fans will be pleased with his appointment as he has Cork City blood flowing through his veins.
Caulfield has made a number of astute signings in the close season which suggests Cork could be a real dark horse this season. Billy Dennehy returns to Leeside after a successful spell with Shamrock Rovers and he is always capable of being a game changer when in form. Liam Kearney has also returned to increase the Cork goal threat as well as the signing of Anthony Elding from Sligo Rovers. The Englishman scored the winning goal for Sligo in the FAI Cup Final (pic below) last season against Drogheda United and will add to the firepower at John Caulfield’s disposal
Everything is in place for Cork to make a serious challenge this season and with their incredible home support, nobody will fancy going to Turners Cross. We think they’re good enough for a top four finish and perhaps a cup final.
Players in: John Kavanagh, Darren Murphy, Anthony Elding, Michael Rafter, Kevin Mulcahy, Billy Dennehy, Mark O’Sullivan, Matt Gledhill, Liam Kearney
Did You Know?: In 1992 Cork City drew at home with the mighty Bayern Munich 1-1 in the UEFA Cup before narrowly losing the second leg, 2-0
Hopes: Cork will be looking to finish higher than last season’s sixth place finish and are more than capable of stringing a good cup run together
Player To Watch: Billy Dennehy
If they were a big European club: Athletic Bilbao. A club from an independent republic who have flirted with success over the years and with raucous passionate home support.
