Doolin looking back in Drogheda's direction

Paul Doolin is happy with the “bones” of his new Cork City squad but is sure to try and flesh it out a bit with a few of his former players from Drogheda United.

The Dubliner was in Cork this afternoon to be unveiled by the Leesiders’ new owner Tom Coughlan.

He currently has just nine contracted players at the club, so reinforcements are needed, and his old club will be the first place he'll look.

“There are a few players I have to speak to and a few things to be done. I would be looking at some of the players who I had at Drogheda” said Doolin. “When you have a full time club, you need a full time mentality, and obviously a lot of them are available and they are good professionals.

“Most of the players who are currently under contract here would have played in nearly every game for the club last season; guys like Joe Gamble, Danny Murphy, Dan Murray, Colin Healy, Neal Horgan, Pat Sullivan and Denis Behan, and they are all very good players.

“We have the nucleus of a good squad here, and I’m not going to just sign players for the sake of signing them.”

Cork have endured similar off-field problems to his former club but survived the examinership process after financial backers Arkaga withdrew their support last year.

While Doolin required reassurance on a number of matters from Coughlan, he’s satisfied changes are afoot and assured fans he will give his all in the job.

“It is a big club, there is no doubt about that and it has great potential. It is the only club in the city, and while it is a big challenge, I am looking forward to it.

"Cork City have the bones of a good squad, play in a fantastic ground and the training ground has to be brought up to scratch, which will take time but work is already underway there.

“One thing I am prepared to do is work, and I think that is what has got me to where I am. There are certain things that you have to expect from a professional club, in terms of appearance, training and so on, and I do demand a lot from the players, but I think that kind of structure is needed, they need a club that is run well and I feel that I do that.”

Drogheda, meanwhile, have dismissed reports they have sounded out potential successors to Doolin for the coming season.

"At this moment we are busy preparing for our Examinership hearing before the High Court on the 22nd January," read a club statement.

"Should the courts decide to accept our scheme of arrangement on the 22nd we will then, and only then, begin preparing for the season ahead."