'I know it's a tough time but we need them' - Ger Nash hopeful Cork City fans back team despite protest plans

City are on the brink of relegation to the First Division for the third time in the last five seasons but they also take on St Pats in the FAI Cup semi-final on Friday night.

Tue, 30 Sep, 2025 - 18:55

Andrew Horgan, Bishopstown

Ger Nash has called on the Cork City fans to get behind the team amidst growing talk of a planned protest against the club’s ownership ahead of their FAI Cup semi-final clash with St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday night.

City are on the brink of relegation to the First Division for the third time in the last five seasons as they are currently cut adrift at the foot of the Premier Division table, 11 points behind ninth placed Waterford with just four games remaining following their 2-1 loss away to fellow strugglers Galway United, who were on an 11-game winless run, last Friday night.

The Rebel Army are also on the brink of a return to the FAI Cup Final for the first time since 2018 with St Pats standing in their way at Turner’s Cross on Friday.

But it is believed the City faithful are going to use the high-profile fixture, which will be broadcast live on RTÉ2, to vent their frustrations at Dermot Usher’s stewardship of the club which may even result in a disruption to kick-off.

“Look, I've just come off the training pitch. We've been really busy ever since the game on Friday night. I travelled to watch Sligo take on St Pat's on Saturday and I'm fully focused on this game. So, I don't know,” said manager Ger Nash when asked on Tuesday about the possibility of a protest.

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“I don't know what's coming in that regard. Obviously, you've spoken to me about it there. I'm not sure exactly what's going to happen.

"All I can tell you is that the players, the staff, we're fully immersed in trying to put on the best performance we can on Friday night. We really need them to help us get across the line.

“Look, the fans that go away from home have been fantastic since I've come to the club and they pay their money to support the team.

“Again, at home, especially in recent games, there's been a really good synergy, certainly since I've been at the club. The best synergy has been in the most recent four home games I would say. We're going to need them on Friday night.

“I think they're the most passionate fan base in the country. We really need them.

"We're desperate to put on a performance for them and get a result for them so they can have a good day out on the Aviva because they deserve that.

“I hope the fans support the team. They've been brilliant in that regard and I'm fully confident they'll continue to do that.

“We've got some senior players who really care about the football club, players who've moved here and want to live in this area.

"We've got young players who we've seen in recent weeks. They're very young, there's challenges with that, but they care. That's what they're doing and we're going to continue to fight.

"I hope the fans can see that. I hope they can see some of the changes we're trying to make. I know it's a tough time, I really understand that.

"But all I can say is the dressing room, myself, the staff, everyone at the club are desperately planning a performance for them and hopefully get the result we want.

"I don't fully understand what you're talking about. I'm not aware of it. What I do know is that since I've come to the club, I've brought David Meyler in with me from a professional football club in England.

"I've brought Mark McNulty in with me. I've been backed in terms of signing some players who have been at clubs in England on longer contracts. I think you'll probably see that we've signed players on longer term contracts.

"That, to me, is I want to build something here in terms of building an identity of people who want to live in Cork and build something that we can make this club and take this club back to where it needs to be and where it wants to be.

"That's what the fans want. I fully understand that.