Cork out to make a new mark

NOTHING could more perfectly encapsulate the literal fall-out from a crisis-hit winter for the domestic game than the meeting tonight of two of last season’s Premier Division top four – only this time it will take place in the First Division of the newly named Airtricity League.

At the Brandywell, it’s Derry v Cork, an appealing opening day fixture but not as we know it, both clubs having had to reinvent themselves following their turbulent departures from the top-flight.

For Derry, the transformation has been less seismic. They have retained their manager, Stephen Kenny, the backbone of their team and even the club name. By contrast, the Leesiders – though they may yet retrieve their old name – now trade as Cork City FORAS Co-op, have a new boss in Tommy Dunne and, having shed a host of star names, have spent the past week hastily assembling a lean squad of predominantly young and comparatively inexperienced players with which to do battle in the First Division.