‘Anything different is good’ for City FC
The “outside the box” appointment of Barry Robson as Cork City FC’s new first team manager is a clear sign the club’s ownership is trying to make positive change.
That’s according to former Cork City FC chairman and co-host of the Other Three Amigos Podcast, Declan Carey, who expects the appointment to raise standards at the stricken club.
“It's not the usual merry-go-round of picking a manager who's out of work, who's over-familiar with the League of Ireland scene,” said Declan.
“I think a drastic change was needed, and I think the City fans will welcome the news.
“Anything different is good now at this stage,” he added.
City confirmed the news on Sunday that former Scotland international Barry Robson would be taking on the role with immediate effect.
The 47 year old takes the reins having most recently managed Scottish Championship side Raith Rovers. Prior to that, Barry enjoyed an excellent spell at Aberdeen FC where he secured a third-place finish in the Scottish Premiership in the 2022/23 season.
His appointment comes shortly after that of former Leeds United manager Simon Grayson as an advisor to the Cork City FC board.
Their focus for the first year will be to win the First Division and bring Cork City back into the top flight of Irish football.
With City fans having endured mostly dark days in recent years, Declan said a few exciting signings and a clear roadmap for the future will help get the fans on the new manager’s side.
“Maybe nail down that Seani Maguire is going to stay, Rory Keating's going to stay, and I think he has to show that he's building a squad for next year already,” said Declan.
He continued: “I think definitely an attacking option. I think that would excite fans.
“I think we need good, strong centre-halves, midfielders, and then maybe one or two attacking options then.
“They have to be Premier Division quality and I feel like they have to be given multi-year deals and see the bigger picture.”
Asked if he believes City can win promotion and then stay in the Premier Division beyond 2027, Declan said he’s confident the club’s ownership will be doing everything in its power not to repeat past mistakes.
He said: “There's been plenty of mistakes made in the past, and you would hope the third time lucky, that they'll have learned from the errors made and make sure that we're well prepared.”
Barry Robson said there is already a talented group of players at the club with whom he’s excited to start working ahead of the new season which kicks off next month.
“From speaking to the club, it’s clear that this is a great opportunity. We all want Cork City to achieve its full potential and our first target is a successful league campaign, which is our clear aim for the season ahead.”
“I’ve played at Turner’s Cross before and I know all about the passionate supporter base that Cork City has, so I can’t wait to lead the side out there, and to experience the atmosphere on a Friday night,” he added.
Cork City FC kicks off its 2026 First Division campaign against Treaty United at Turner’s Cross on 13 February at 7.45pm.