Cork City recruit Greg Bolger can guide the next generation at Turner's Cross

'GREG obviously has a wealth of experience in the league. He is the ultimate professional in how he goes about things.' 

This was a quote from the newly appointed Cork City FC manager Tim Clancy on the official club website following the signing of Greg Bolger. Possibly as big a statement of intent that the Rebel Army could have made as they look to secure promotion straight away back to the Premier Division.

Clancy will also be hoping that the outstanding experience of Bolger can be key in helping set high standards among the playing group at City.

When you assess the career and League Of Ireland journey to date of the midfielder, it becomes clear his CV is as good as any in domestic Irish club football.

The decorated midfielder to date in his player career has won three league titles, two EA Sports Cups and four FAI Cups in his career during playing spells with St Patrick’s Athletic, Cork City and Shamrock Rovers.

During his previous stint on Leeside, Bolger was a vital cog in the wheel and he helped City to win two FAI Cups (2016 and 2017) and the 2017 Premier Division title, during what was a golden era for the Rebel Army under the management of John Caulfield.

One example of the influence and impact Bolger provided to City was during his performance and individual display in the away leg of the Europa League qualifying contest against Belgian side Genk.

Going back to his time with St Patrick’s Athletic, Bolger was the heart of the side as the Dublin outfit won the League Of Ireland Premier Division title in 2013 and was arguably the best player for Pats during that season. When Pats won the FAI Cup in 2014, he was deservedly chosen as man of the match in the final victory at the Aviva Stadium.

At his most recent playing destination in Sligo Rovers, Bolger took up a player-coach role during the 2023 season. Tim Clancy might well potentially look to tap into Bolger’s wealth of League Of Ireland knowledge and playing experience.

Bolger in his career also tasted winning the League Of Ireland First Division during the early stages of his playing career. He was part of the Students' title-winning team in 2009 which contained some of the most successful players of recent times in domestic Irish football, including the likes of Ronan Finn, David McMillan, Ciaran Kilduff, Keith Ward and Andy Boyle.   

MENTOR

The period with UCD proved to be a very important part of his foundation as a footballer. He will now prove to be a strong mentor for the younger players in the City squad looking to forge a career.

During what has been a career full of major medals in Irish football, 2024 will be the first time Bolger will have played in the First Division since '09.

The leadership and experience of Greg Bolger will be vital as Cork City look to bounce back to the Premier Division come the end of next season.

Bolger’s message to Cork City fans when he spoke to the club’s media team recently was a firm statement of intent.

“I’m delighted to be back at City. I am here to win football matches and do my best to get this great club back to where it belongs.”