Friday Night Lights!

27th Feb 2014

1. Johnny C back in town!

That’s right, Cork City legend and hall of famer John Caulfield will be in the hot seat for City this season.  Having spent the last ten years since retiring from his record-breaking career as a player picking up numerous trophies as a manager with Avondale and UCC, Johnny C is back at City. The new manager, who is City’s all-time joint top goal scorer with 129 goals and 455 appearances, has hit the ground running, making some key signings and pledged to bring the glory days back to Turner’s Cross.

“I’ve lived for the day that I would get this chance. I’m delighted FORAS has given me this opportunity. I believe I can bring the club to a higher level and win trophies, and that’s what I want to do” - John Caulfield on being appointed manager of Cork City FC last November.

Johnny C is back at the Cross (Pic: Blinkofaneye.ie)

2. Dark Horses Under Friday Lights

Having struggled big time for the majority of last season, City eventually parted company with manager Tommy Dunne who had successfully guided City to a First Division title in 2011. City thrived under caretaker boss Stuart Ashton, winning seven and losing just two of their last ten league games of 2013, scoring 22 goals in the process. City were by far the form team for the later part of 2013, particularly at home, registering impressive victories against Derry City (4-1), Shelbourne (5-3), and defeating champions St. Pat’s 4-2 in the final game of the season. If City can bring this form into 2014 they are certain to be in the mix up for honours and a European spot at the business end of the season.
 

3. New signings set to impress

Several marquee signings for City this off-season. Englishman Anthony Elding was the first to sign on the dotted line, followed shortly by Billy Dennehy who joins from Shamrock Rovers and Tipp man Michael Rafter who signs from Derry City. Elding, a twenty goal a season striker, scored the winning goal for Sligo Rovers in this seasons FAI cup final and hopes to replicate the success he had with Sligo at Cork City.

"Cork City is a big club, it should be in Europe and John's going to make it happen if everyone buys into it" – Anthony Elding

Other notable signings include Darren Murphy who is returning from the UK, Liam Kearney who has returned from Oz and Mark O’Sullivan who signs from MSL side Avondale.

Michael Rafter has also signed for Cork City FC

4. It is the club’s 30th Anniversary

Cork City FC is 30 years old this year. So far, the honour roll shows a haul of two Premier Division titles, one First Division title, two FAI Cups, a Setanta Sports Cup and three League Cups. The club will certainly be looking to add to the trophy cabinet this year and there’s sure to be a lot going on to celebrate what will be a great year for the club.

5. Local players, local club

The City squad this season certainly has a very Cork look about it with John Caulfield looking to build a squad who are passionate about playing for the football club that represents their city and county. Fifteen of the current 22 man squadare Cork born and bred; and that’s excluding adopted Corkonians Dan Murray and Cockney Rebel Danny Murphy.!

6. Bring the Smallies

Tickets are priced at €15 per adult, €10 for a juvenile (13-17) and €5 for Under 13s. The club has also introduced a family ticket this season. Priced at €32,that means two kids can attend for just ONE EURO each when attending with two paying adults- a night at The ‘Cross truly is the best Friday night in Cork.

7. Atmosphere at The Cross

Turner’s Cross stadium is located on the south side of the city, about 15 minutes from the city centre and near the South Link road. Easily accessible by almost any means of transport

Without question the best League of Ireland ground there is (Thomond Park doesn’t count!). Once inside the ground, visitors can sit in any of the ground’s four covered and all-seater stands. The Curragh Road End is home to the club’s Singing Section and is only accessible to accompanied children over the age of 13 and adults.

Bringing the family? Families are welcome to join the club’s Family Enclosure in the Donie Forde Stand at any stage during the season. No bad language, no smoking, and most importantly, regular visits from everyone’s favourite mascot, Corky the Cheetah, make the Family Enclosure a welcoming and atmospheric spot for the smallies to get behind their local team.

The Donie Forde Stand Turner’s Cross, home to the Cork City FC ‘Family Enclosure’

8. Singing in The Shed

The Shed End is the focal point of everything good about Turner’s Cross – it’s where City’s most vociferous supporters have always gathered and given great support to many a Cork City team through the years, not to mention having a pop off the away goalkeeper. The colour, noise and atmosphere from this side of the ground really makes a trip to the ‘Cross worthwhile, especially if there’s a big crowd.

The Shed

9. So you won’t miss moments like this (NSFW)

10. Goals, Goals, Goals