Coughlan set for City return

Derek Coughlan should be back in the Cork City colours next season.

And while Cork have yet to move in the transfer market, Coughlan’s return will be like signing a new player for Pat Dolan.

The former Bohs and Brighton centre-half, now 27, was out of football for the best part of a year with a deep rooted groin injury but his ready to step back into premier division football again now.

Coughlan, who headed home Cork’s winner in the FAI Cup final replay win over Shelbourne in 1998, has had talks with Dolan about a possible comeback and is waiting to hear back from the club.

“My situation has not changed in months but I did meet with Pat Dolan recently and we spoke about me coming back to play for Cork City.

“I have yet to sit down with the chairman and, to be honest, the club have yet to get back to me with a new contract,” Coughlan told the Evening Echo this morning.

“I am just waiting for something to happen and for the club to come up with a new contract,” he added.

Coughlan has been back on the roads and in the gym training on his own for several months and is anxious to get back into senior football in the new season.

“The injury has cleared up completely now. I just want to get fit and get back to playing football again now and I’d like to do that with Cork City,” he added.

Waterford player-manager Alan Reynolds has made repeated efforts to sign the former Irish U21 star but he has now switched his attentions to trying to lure Steve Yelverton away from Cobh Ramblers instead.

Reynolds has already signed Paul Crowley from Dublin City and is hoping to tie Pat Purcell to a new deal as well.

The Cork City Club Shop at Turner’s Cross will be open this Sunday from 11a.m to 4p.m. and right up to Christmas Eve, December 24.