Neal Horgan: 'Huge positivity' around Cork ahead of Premier Division return

It's hard to believe that just six years ago, Cork City were coming into a new season as reigning SSE Airtricity League champions.

But just like after the mid-2000s when the club tasted league and cup successes, relegation would soon follow.

But after two seasons languishing in the First Division, Cork are back in the top flight and with more certainty off the field after Kildare-based businessman Dermot Usher took ownership of the club.

They kick off their season live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player on Friday when they welcome Bohemians to what is bound to be a raucous Turner's Cross.

It goes without saying that the step up from the First Division to the Premier is no mean feat so what can be expected from Colin Healy's largely young side across 2023?

Former Cork City defender and 2005 LOI winner Neal Horgan joined the RTÉ Soccer Podcast to give his lowdown on the club he represented for well over a decade.

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"I think we have to measure expectations this year," he said.

"In fairness, the Cork City crowd would be wise enough to know that you're going back into the Premier Division that is stocked with experienced Premier Division players, especially the top end of the table.

"I don't see us going anywhere near the top end of the table. We'd be doing really well to go midtable in my view.

"But there is a huge positivity around the club at the moment with the new takeover which got them out of a quandary they were in with Grovemoor, the owners of Preston, which wasn't ideal. And they're out