Buckley to lead Cork City management for rest of season

Liam Buckley will lead Cork City's management team for the rest of the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division campaign.

The Leesiders appointed Buckley as sporting director in May, initially to support then manager Colin Healy.

However Healy walked away from his post less than 24 hours after Buckley's arrival, leading to Buckley, assistant boss Richie Holland and academy coach Liam Kearney taking care of the team on an interim basis.

On Tuesday, Cork City confirmed that the trio of Buckley, Holland and Kearney will remain in charge as they look to escape relegation having been promoted to the top flight last season.

"Following internal discussions, it has been agreed that the current management team will remain in place until the end of the 2023 season," a club statement read

"Led by Sporting Director Liam Buckley, who has overall responsibility for football matters, the management team also comprises Assistant Manager Richie Holland, Head of Academy Liam Kearney, First Team Coach Declan Coleman and Goalkeeping Coach Anthony Fennelly."

Cork are ninth, two points behind Sligo Rovers and Drogheda United, who they host at Turner's Cross on Friday night.

Owner Dermot Usher aired his confidence that Buckley can help the club to beat the drop, adding: "Everyone at the club has been pleased with recent results and performances. It has been a real team effort with everyone pulling in the same direction, and we have been very happy with how it is going.

"We have an excellent management team, headed by Liam Buckley, and we are confident that this approach will continue to bear fruit for the club.

"We have therefore decided that the current management team will remain in place until the end of the season. We look forward now to Friday