Dolan dismisses City speculation

FORMER Cork City boss Pat Dolan has dismissed claims he is considering a return to Turner’s Cross.

However the Setanta Sports pundit and Wexford Youths coach last night revealed his ambition to make a managerial comeback in 2008.

Dolan spent two seasons with Cork City (2003-2005), recording a number of Intertoto Cup victories and leading the side to a second placed league finish in 2004. Since his acrimonious departure from Leeside, Dolan has carved out a media career while remaining in football with the eircom league newcomers.

Cup champions City have been embroiled in controversy over the past fortnight with players slamming the Board and suggestions that manager Damien Richardson may be released.

Earlier this week Wexford Youths manager Mick Wallace reportedly said: “Dolan has been offered mad money to go to Cork City, a minimum of €200,000 plus expenses. He might go if it fits in with Setanta Sports schedule.”

But Dolan last night poured scorn on that statement: “It is completely untrue. Cork City already have a manager in Damien Richardson in place and that is where things stand at the moment.

“I enjoyed my time at Cork City immensely and was delighted with their Cup title win last week but it is no longer my business”

When asked if he would consider the role if Richardson was released from his post, Dolan replied: “I don’t consider hypothesis.”

But he admitted he is keen on returning to football — in Ireland or in England — within the next couple of months.

Said Dolan: “I will be back in management at some stage. It is what I do. I will be completing my pro licence in January.

“I am a manager first and foremost and Setanta are aware of that. Since I’ve been gone I’ve had a few offers and have not taken them. But in the New Year I wouldn’t rule anything in or out.”