City make shock appointment in new manager hunt

Cork City FC has announced the surprise appointment of former Leeds United manager Simon Grayson as an advisor to the board.

Grayson, who has also managed clubs like Blackpool and Sunderland, is coming on board specifically to help City choose a new first team manager.

His role will also include an in-depth analysis of the club’s existing football structures with an aim to bring the club back to Ireland’s top flight and keep it there.

The move comes following the abrupt resignation of former club manager Ger Nash in December who took over midway through last season, another disappointing campaign which ended with City’s third relegation since 2020.

The board will be hoping to install a new manager well before City’s first game of the new season versus Treaty United on 13 February.

Grayson brings a distinguished managerial CV with him to Leeside, including four promotions from the English Championship to the EFL with four separate clubs.

Most recently, he led Lalitpur City FC to the Nepal Super League title.

As a player, Grayson played mostly at right back for a long list of clubs including Leeds United, Aston Villa, Leicester City, and Blackburn Rovers.

Former academy player laid to rest

The funeral of former Cork City FC academy player Alan Nagle took place yesterday. Nagle, who spent four years at the club having joined at U15 level in 2017, died unexpectedly on 1 January. He was laid to rest yesterday, Wednesday, at St Mary’s New Cemetery in Curraghkippane.

A statement from the club read: “Everyone at Cork City FC is devastated to learn of the passing of former academy player, Alan Nagle. Alan joined the club at under 15 level in 2017, and spent 4 years at the club, also featuring for our under 17 and under 19 sides.

“Alan will be deeply missed by all of his former teammates, coaches and everyone at Cork City FC. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very difficult time. May he rest in peace.”