'We must develop a bit of nastiness': Tim Clancy wants bite from his Cork City side

Cork City head coach Tim Clancy applauds the fans. Pic: Ben Brady/Inpho

Cork City must develop a nasty streak to curtail their losing streak, admits manager Tim Clancy.

The Rebel Army were heading for the heaviest defeat of any team in the Premier Division's first series of matches on Monday until Darragh Crowley’s stoppage-time goal left it 4-1 to Shamrock Rovers.

Three defeats in a row have raised concerns of a similar relegation scrap to 2023 and their cause continues to be hampered by the absences of injury victims Seáni Maguire, Ruairi Keating and Malik Dijksteel.

Veteran midfielder Greg Bolger will return for this Easter weekend’s matches against two teams directly above them. City visit seventh-placed Bohemians on Friday before hosting a Waterford side they’re two points adrift of on Monday at 5pm.

“We have a brilliant group of lads in terms of attitude and application but they also need to develop a bit of nastiness and experience - knowing when to slow things out and see it out,” said Clancy at Wednesday’s press briefing.

“Friday against St Patrick’s Athletic was one of the performances of the season, bar a four-minute period. Over two games in four days, to concede twice before half-time was criminal. We must eliminate those spells where we’re looking vulnerable.

“We’ve been unlucky with injuries but you’ve to play without players, find a way to win games, change formations. The manner of Monday’s defeat will hurt. We need to start keeping clean sheets and be difficult to beat.” 

Gypsies boss Alan Reynolds has experienced a Dalymount roar of a different kind since the middle of last year, as sections of the crowd have turned against him. They’ve lost six of their opening nine matches.

“There will be pressure from the home fans on Bohs and we must capitalise on that,” said Clancy.

“There might be a nervousness to them and I’m sure Rennie will want them to be higher in the table than they are.”