Seanie Maguire is back at Cork City after signing a multi-year deal with the club

Cork City have confirmed the re-signing of club legend Sean Maguire on a long term deal; seven years after he left Leeside for Preston North End.

The striker returns to Turner's Cross as a hero, after scoring over 50 goals over a year and half on Leeside.

His most memorable moment was hitting the winner in added time of extra time in the 2016 FAI Cup final against Dundalk.

"I am absolutely thrilled to be coming back to City," Maguire told the club's media team.

"I had such an amazing spell at the club here before going to Preston and I have always wanted to come back. 

"I’ve been speaking with the club over the last few weeks, and I have been really impressed by the plans the club has to build towards getting back to where a club of this size should be. 

"There are some really good players at the club, some really exciting young players, and I hope that I can use my experience to help them to achieve their potential.

”I have been watching things at the club over the last few years and was really disappointed to see the club down in the First Division, but I know that the club has the ambition to be a force in the Premier Division again and I feel like I can make a big contribution to that. 

"Obviously, the team have got themselves into a really good position in the league, and we want to make sure that we finish the job and book a place in the Premier Division for next season. 

"There is also the FAI Cup game against Derry City next week, which I know everyone at the club is looking forward to as well.

”You look at the crowds the club was getting last season and again this season, and there is no doubt in my mind that this is one of the biggest clubs in the country. 

"The fans were incredible for me in my previous spell here and I cannot wait to play in front of them again. 

"I am really looking forward to being back playing at Turner’s Cross and to being part of what the club is building.” 

City boss Tim Clancy welcomed the news saying: “This is a fantastic signing for us. 

"We are getting a striker with a really impressive pedigree at a very good level, but also someone who knows the club and loves being a part of the Rebel Army. 

"I have spoken a number of times about us wanting to make sure that we bring the right type of players in to the club, who will help us get to where we want to go, and I believe Seanie signing shows exactly what we are trying to do here. 

"Of course, there was a lot of competition for Seanie’s signature, but I think he has bought into what we are trying to do and I know that he can be a really big part of things here over the next few years.”