Buckley: I tried everything to get Healy to stay at Cork

Liam Buckley says he tried everything to convince Colin Healy to stay on as Cork City boss in a tumultous 24 hours on Leeside.

On Wednesday, 63-year-old Buckley was announced as the club's new sporting drector, tasked with, according to a club statement, "supporting management on all football-related matters".

That night, news broke that manager Colin Healy had resigned from his post.

Buckley acknowledged there may be a perception that his arrival had been against Healy's wishes, but he stressed that the former Republic of Ireland international had his mind made up to leave in the wake of Friday night's 5-0 thumping at the hands of Bohemians.

He also confirmed he will be part of the process to identify Healy's replacement.

Buckley, assistant boss Richie Holland and academy coach Liam Kearney will take care of the team for Friday night's home clash with St Pat's, who are also managerless following Tim Clancy's exit.

"The immediate plan is myself and guys [Holland and Kearney] will look after this weekend," said Buckley.

"All I can say is, I've been appointed by the owner Dermot Usher as a sporting director. That's what my remit is, that's what my job is, that's what I'm coming down to Cork for.

"It's just unfortunate that Colin has left. I'd have liked him to stay. I asked him to stay. I said, 'I want to be able to support you, I'm coming down to support the manager/coach'. But ultimately it was his decision."

Expanding on discussions he had with Healy on Wednesday, Buckley added: "I rang Colin myself and I had a chat with him. I'd have loved to have him back here, bearing in mind he got the First Division Manager of the Year last year and I presented the trophy to him.

"He's a talented manager, he's put a great squad of players