Dolan urges City players to make early impression
Dolan's appointment represented the biggest close season move by any of the ten premier clubs. He was the most high-profile manager in the game with Pat's and also one of the most successful. His signing was a declaration of intent by club chairman Brian Lennox to build a club capable of winning major trophies.
A new challenge was all the incentive Dolan needed to make such a radical move. He admitted he signed on impulse but all of his instincts were positive towards Cork and his experiences have confirmed his judgement.
On the eve of his first championship game with Cork ironically against St. Pat's (5.00) at Turner's Cross today he said: "Of course, the match against St. Pat's will have a special significance, but for me that significance is because it is my first match in the championship with Cork City."
"I have been here only five weeks and things have moved very quickly."
Dolan has not lost sight of the huge leap involved: "I see the challenge of this job. It is a different culture and I must try and understand that and work in a different way to my style at St. Pat's.
Dolan must have been immediately aware of the high level of expectation in Cork. He said: "I am aware there is going to be more additions in time but the players have worked so hard in pre-season training and have got good results that I am going with this group. They are very, very fit now.
"We have so many players who are close in ability. We can make a case for a lot of players yet I know there are some areas we need more quality.
"But I do not want to bring in people who are similar to the ones we have got so I am going to give this group of players the opportunity they deserve before I move."
The only new signing he has made is Kevin Doyle, a former U20 international striker who was with him at St. Pat's.
He will start alongside John O'Flynn today as George O'Callaghan, who was Flynn's partner last season, must serve a carry-over suspension from last season.
Dolan has switched Neal Horgan from left to right full-back during pre-season games and Gareth Cronin has regularly played on the left so these are likely to start with Dan Murray and Declan Daly in the middle.
Captain Greg O'Halloran will partner Conor O'Grady in midfield with Billy Woods on the left and, possibly, Alan Carey on the right.
The big decision Dolan faces is choice of goalkeeper. Noel Mooney, rather than Michael Devine, played regularly in pre-season.
Said Dolan: "It is so close between them and they will both get opportunities during the season to make the jersey their own.
"They can do so by training well and by their performances but their attitude also will count and especially when they are not in the team, as it will with all the players."
St. Pat's will introduce a striker with the potential to become the biggest 'hot-shot' in the League in Liam George at Turner's Cross.
George seemed certain to go on to a first-class career in the Premiership when he starred with Ireland at under-age level but a run of serious injuries upset his plans.
New manager Eamon Collins is rebuilding the squad but many of St. Pat's stalwarts are there to provide a solid base - Paul Osam in particular in midfield. Collins will introduce other newcomers in goalkeeper Chris Adamson of West Brom and defender Brian McGovern of Norwich.
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