A huge game awaits the Leesiders in the opening game of the season. A forgettable 2023 season for Cork City, ending in relegation following multiple managerial alterations, along with panic recruitment and a change in ownership. A swift return followed, with City winning the First Division by 22 points at the first time of asking.
No excuses this time for City, with 2 months more preparation time than all other Premier Division clubs, but loan signings until the Summer have sparked some doubt in the mind of many of the City faithful.
Freddie Anderson (Son of famous former footballer Viv), Rio Shipston, Kitt Nelson and goalkeeper Tein Troost have all signed for City, but only on loan until the Summer. Rio Shipston is an exception though as the Sheffield Wednesday midfielder’s contract runs out after the loan spell on Leeside. Benny Couto seems a strong signing for City. The left back was seen as a wonderkid at Oldham Athletic, with a £1 million pound transfer to Wolves or Leeds a possibility. But injuries have impacted Couto’s career. Still only 21, there seems to be strong potential yet to be fully unveiled. Shipston looks like another solid signing, with the midfielder showing strong passing capabilities throughout preseason. Alex Nolan signed from St Pats. The winger was highly thought of in Dublin, but the former UCD midfielder demanded first team game time, of which the Saints couldn’t guarantee. Kitt Nelson will only be at City until the Summer for definite, with the 20 year old penning a new deal at Preston North End last week.
Many former City players are currently at Galway. Captain Conor McCormack, Gary Buckley, Jimmy Keohane, Rob Slevin & Ed McCarthy have all had periods on Leeside. Of course, manager John Caulfield is a Cork City legend. The former Cork City league winning manager is also the joint all time top scorer at City. Pat Morley is tied with Caulfield with 129 goals.
Tein Troost will be expected to start in goals for City. A back four of Benny Couto, Charlie Lyons (Captain), Freddie Anderson & Darragh Crowley. Rio Shipston and Greg Bolger are likely the midfield duo for Friday night, Cathal O’Sullivan, Seani Maguire and Ruairi Keating are guaranteed to be on the team sheet while it’s a toss up between Josh Fitzpatrick, Matthew Murray & Kitt Nelson claiming the left wing position.
Nonetheless, it’s a crucial tie for both sides! Let’s hope City can grab a huge three points!