Three-year deal for new City striker Mooney

Cork City manager Alan Matthews was the bearer of good tidings when he and assistant Paul McGee met with the Official Supporters Club at the Telecom Club last night.

Mathews confirmed that he has signed Dave Mooney, last year’s top scorer with Longford Town, on a three-year contract.

He also confirmed that he has offered packages to former City players George O’Callaghan and Danny Murphy.

Mooney’s capture is a big moment in the club’s history. He bagged 19 league goals and 22 in all competitions for the relegated side last season.

“This is the second time I have signed him as I signed him as a 19 year-old at Rovers as well,” said Matthews.

“He’s proven to be one of the best strikers in the league and deep down I think he always wanted to come to Cork.

“He had options in Dublin and he wanted to explore cross-channel football too but it was worth the wait.”

Mooney had trials with Crystal Palace, Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers twice, but he kept his promise to Mathews, saying that he would sign for the Leesiders if nothing materialised cross-channel.

“His work-rate and his overall game have improved in the last 12 months and the prospect of him playing up front with say John O’Flynn or Denis Behan excites me.

“He’s a big signing as are Dave Mulcahy (ex-Waterford) and Pat Sullivan (ex-Longford), who signed with us last week.”

Mathews also told last night’s fans forum there would be no director of football coming in this season.

Fans were also told that season ticket sales for the coming campaign were up 25% on last year.

Article courtesy of the Evening Echo newspaper.