No split loyalties for Cobh Ramblers boss Stuart Ashton ahead of Cork City clash

Rivals meet in League of Ireland First Division opener at Turner's Cross on Friday night

Cobh Ramblers manager Stuart Ashton was a player and a manager at Cork City. Picture: Howard Crowdy

Stuart Ashton will put his previous allegiances to one side on Friday night when his Cobh Ramblers side takes on Cork City at Turner’s Cross on the opening night of the First Division.

Ashton enjoyed two spells as a City player — he was involved in the club’s first-ever season in 1984 — but now his focus is on securing Cobh the bragging rights from the first Cork Derby of the campaign.