Cork to make speedy appointment after Doolin’s departure

THE search for a replacement for Paul Doolin is already well under way at Cork City.

While some observers believed that City would take their time in appointing a new manager – not least to avoid adding to the payroll during a close season in which trimming the budget for next year is a major objective – it’s understood that the club is anxious to have a new man installed as quickly as possible.

With player contracts and sponsorship deals up for re-negotiation and a push already on to sell season tickets for next year, City feel that the speedy appointment of a new manager will boost confidence and stability at a club which, despite its many financial woes last season, managed to finish the campaign in third in the Premier Division and qualify for the Europa League.

Club officials were remaining tight-lipped last night about possible targets as a successor to Paul Doolin who stepped down following talks with chairman Tom Coughlan on Monday.

“It was hard to keep motivated and I couldn’t go through all that again next year,” said Doolin afterwards. “I didn’t have a choice in the matter. I just couldn’t go on. I’m not asking a lot, just normal requirements. I can’t brush over what went on, the trust is gone and I just need to move on.”

Sources at Turner’s Cross were yesterday playing down reports that former player – and former Bohemians player-manager – Gareth Farrelly might make a sensational return as manager to the club with whom he settled an unfair dismissal case only last October.

Former Dundalk manager Sean Connor, Waterford boss Stephen Henderson, Galway United’s Ian Foster and City coach Stuart Ashton are among other names to have been mentioned in connection with the job.

Meanwhile, speculation persists that Paul Doolin is in line to fill the vacant post at St Patrick’s Athletic.