2019 was a year to forget for Cork City FC. Finished eighth in the league, with just 37 points, a staggering 50 points less than their 2018 total and a disappointing second round exit in the FAI Cup at the hands of First Division side Galway United
2019 was a year to forget for Cork City FC.
Finished eighth in the league, with just 37 points, a staggering 50 points less than their 2018 total and a disappointing second round exit in the FAI Cup at the hands of First Division side Galway United, it is a season the Leesiders are eager to leave in the past.
Former player Neale Fenn was appointed the new manager in August, bringing a reputation of attacking, free-flowing football from Longford Town. Defeats to Sligo Rovers, Waterford and Dundalk in his first three games followed; despite encouraging signs in the latter of those matches.
Fenn picked up his first point against Finn Harps at home before further defeats to Derry City and Bohemians away from home. A difficult start to life at the helm for Fenn was lifted with an entertaining 3-2 win over UCD AFC which was followed by a fantastic 1-0 win over Dundalk.
Despite the final day defeat to Shamrock Rovers, the two victories against UCD AFC and Dundalk encouraged whilst the manager promised a major overhaul of the squad in the off-season.
Big name departures in Garry Buckley, Karl Sheppard and Conor McCormack amongst others followed, and marked a new era for the club as Fenn targets a totally new profile of player for the club.
One of the first new signings announced was former U-19 midfielder Cian Coleman, who moves back to his hometown club. Coleman came through the ranks at Turner's Cross and was part of the U-19 squad who starred in the UEFA Youth League against HJK Helsinki and AS Roma in 2016. Young, hungry and eager to prove his worth at Turner's Cross, Coleman will prove a valuable addition and strengthen Cork's spine.
Cork's major problem last season was goals. From 71 goals scored in 2018, the Leesiders only managed 29 last season. In fact, Cork City only managed to score 12 goals from open play last season, the joint-lowest in the division with Finn Harps.
It is this aspect Fenn has targeted major changes for the 2020 campaign and it is these signings which should really excite Cork City supporters. Conor Davis signs from Derry City having spent half of the season at the Brandywell following his move from UCD in July. Formerly of Reading, Davis was instrumental in the Students' promotion to the top flight before his move to Derry.
He'll be hoping to recapture his Student form at the Cross and will be helped by the creative influences signed around him. Cory Galvin catches the eye as he signs from Munster rivals Waterford. The attacking midfielder, who is at his best off the left, scored four goals last season and contributed three assists as the 23-year old continues his progression at Cork City.
Another eye-catching signing is Dylan McGlade. McGlade signs from Blyth Spartans in the English non-league but it is his performances for Bray Wanderers and Longford Town in the First Division which capture the imagination. A fantastic dribbler with close control, McGlade has the potential to excite the City faithful as they hope he makes the all-important step up to the top flight.
With Charlie Fleming from Cobh Ramblers, Rob Slevin from Waterford and Liam Bossin from Nottingham Forest also signed, Fenn has obviously targeted a new profile of young, hungry footballers.
It should also be noted that Daire O'Connor and Gearoid Morrissey remain at the club. Morrissey has been one of the most impressive midfielders in the league over recent years whilst Fenn will be hoping another season at the Cross for O'Connor will see him continue to improve.
With their opening match of the season at home to Shelbourne, it has been a positive off-season for the club so far in terms of incoming players. Conor McCarthy signed for St. Mirren earlier today but City fans should have every faith that more players are set to arrive to bolster the ranks.
Pre-season will be crucial for Fenn to implement his system and attacking philosophy with the squad, a marked change from the style of football seen at the Cross in recent years. It will also be a huge challenge to bed in all of the new players at the same time and with so many fixtures in February and March, Fenn will want early points on the board regardless.
It should excite and intrigue the City faithful in equal measure by what this new era brings.
It will need time to come to fruition and deserves patience, but the Leesiders have every reason to be hopeful of a much-improved 2020 campaign.
