The 2017 season could hardly have gone much better for Cork City. The Leesiders secured their first SSE Airtricity League Premier Division title since 2005 and followed it up by retaining the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup to become the first Cork side
The 2017 season could hardly have gone much better for Cork City.
The Leesiders secured their first SSE Airtricity League Premier Division title since 2005 and followed it up by retaining the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup to become the first Cork side since 1951 to win the double.
John Caulfield’s men also lifted the President’s Cup and Munster Senior Cup in what was an extraordinary, silverware-laden season.
The only blemish was an extra-time defeat to Shamrock Rovers in the EA SPORTS Cup semi-final but four out of five trophies isn’t a bad return.
Star Player: Sean Maguire
The 23-year-old striker finished as the league’s top goalscorer with 20 goals despite leaving for Preston North End at the end of July. His ability to occupy defenders created space for others to flourish and helped City win 20 of the 21 league matches that he played in - drawing the other one. He is one of the greatest Cork City strikers of all time.
What They Need For 2018
A goalscorer: I’m sure most people will say their respective clubs need a goalscorer but Cork lost Maguire midway through the last campaign and have yet to even come close to replacing him.
A European run: Usually a good European run is what separates the good League sides with the all-time greats. This Cork team will always be highly regarded for winning the double last term but a good European run, be it in the UEFA Champions League or Europa League or both, will only add to their legacy.
Realistic Targets For 2018
Retain the Title: Cork’s target has to be to retain the Premier Division title. Given the strength of their squad, they shouldn’t be thinking about anything else.
Retain the FAI Cup: Well they did it last year. Cork are probably the favourites to win both competitions again so why not target both? It won’t be easy but it’s certainly realistic.
Best Signing Made So Far
Karl Sheppard: An honourable mention to Barry McNamee, the creative playmaker that John Caulfield needed, but resigning Karl Sheppard for 2018 secured Cork a victory over Dundalk before the season has even started. He’s the best goalscorer the club has at the moment.
