Frozen-out Billy Dennehy still ‘loves’ City

Billy Dennehy claimed last night that he is still a Cork City player and loves playing for the club.

The Tralee man and ex-Shamrock Rovers winger was not allowed participate in the squad’s final training session before yesterday’s departure for Iceland and he was subsequently told that he would not be part of the official party for tomorrow night’s Europa League clash with KR Reyjkavik that stands at 1-1 from the first leg in Cork.

The 28-year-old was involved in a clash with team-mate Mark O’Sullivan during the game with the Icelandic outfit on Thursday night.

“I wouldn’t think that I have played my last game for the club. No, not as far as I am concerned, but I am very disappointed to be missing out on such a big European fixture like this,” said Dennehy last night.

“I am still a Cork City player and I love playing for the club. I am happy at the club but obviously I am disappointed not to be in Iceland with the rest of the lads and to be missing such a key game.

“I wish the lads all the best and I hope they get the result they need to progress in the competition,” he said.

Billy’s brother Darren did not travel either and while the official line is that he is out injured with a groin strain and had a scan in Cork on Monday night, the feeling here is that he is standing staunchly behind his brother.

“Billy Dennehy has not travelled with us as he is not part of my plans for this game and we have given him the opportunity to explore other options.

“He is not on the transfer-list but he can talk to other clubs,” said City boss John Caulfield who has effectively sidelined the Kerryman over on-going disciplinary issues.

“As the manager of this club, I felt I had to do what’s right for the football club. I have been manager for 18 months now and I have had fantastic support from the board and the supporters.

“I must look after the club in the best possible way and now I am totally focused on this game in Iceland,” said Caulfield as he boarded the club’s charter flight to Iceland.

Speculation mounted last night that the Dennehy brothers may be meeting with Limerick FC today with St Pat’s and Dundalk also be linked with the Kerry brothers.

Caulfield has confirmed the capture of Steven Beattie from Sligo Rovers.

“I’m thrilled to sign Steven,” the manager said.

“Obviously he was at Bohemians last year, and I tried to bring him in over the close-season. He chose to follow Owen Heary to Sligo, but an opportunity arose in the last week and I am pleased he has signed.

"I think our crowd will love him, he’s an exciting player, he’s full of energy and pace and he’s great at creating chances. He can play wide left, wide right or through the middle. I think we have found that we need to create more chances. He has caused us problems when he has played against us.

“He is a whole-hearted, exciting player and I think our supporters will appreciate that he will be a fantastic team player.”

Meanwhile former Cork City striker David Mooney hopes to be playing with a smile on his face again next season following his move to League One new boys Southend United.

Mooney, 30, who has penned a two-year deal at Roots Hall after talks with manager Phil Brown, was relegated last season with Leyton Orient.

He said: “I want to get back to enjoying my football again because that wasn’t the case last season.

“Last season was very disappointing and frustrating but I can’t do anything about it now.

“It’s a closed book and a start of a new chapter with Southend which will hopefully go well.

“I’ve still managed to score goals in the last couple of seasons and I obviously want that to continue here.”