Tim Clancy has prioritised the recruitment of a striker as he finalises a Cork City squad to engineer an immediate Premier Division return.
Clancy was appointed by club owner Dermot Usher in late November with the sole task of replicating his feat of 2020 when he led Drogheda United to promotion.
Predictably, City have lost quality from their relegated side – Josh Honohan moving to champions Shamrock Rovers while Ruairi Keating and Aaron Bolger opted for FAI Cup holders St Patrick’s Athletic – forcing the new boss to replenish with talent capable of executing a different mission in 2024.
Jack Doherty and Charlie Lyons have arrived from neighbours Cobh Ramblers, double-winner Greg Bolger is back as the midfield powerhouse, Derry City have allowed Evan McLaughlin join while captain Cian Coleman recently became the most recent mainstay to commit for the promotion push.
With the campaign opener at Turner’s Cross looming on February 16 – a first-ever meeting with Kerry FC – Clancy remains in talks with suitable candidates.
That the Rebel Army are title favourites and possess the largest budget expands their options but striking a deal with the right recruit is the elusive piece.
“We're looking for a centre-forward,” affirmed the former Drogheda United and St Pat’s boss, speaking with two pre-season workouts, against Galway United and Wilton in the Munster Senior Cup, behind him.
“We have Cian Murphy there and a couple of young lads but we will certainly bring one in.
“There’ll be no issue with us scoring goals this season. All of the teams I managed previously in the six years were top scorers or in the top two of in the league. That won’t change this year.
“It’s not just up to the centre-forward to score goals. I
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