Cork soccer legend Billy Woods appointed Head of Football at Midleton FC 

Cork soccer legend Billy Woods has been appointed Head of Football at Munster Senior League side Midleton FC.

The former Republic of Ireland U21 international will be in charge of player development, coaching, and long-term planning at Knockgriffin Park.

Woods is also tasked with building on the club's existing structures and nurturing young players.

This follows a year to remember for Midleton as they won the Munster Senior League Premier Division for the first time in six years.

They also defeated Carrigaline United in the O'Connell Cup final, which completed a rare double in East Cork.

The Magpies picked up where they left off this season by qualifying for the Round of 16 in the FAI Intermediate Cup, where they will face 2020 finalists Killester Donneycarney at Hadden Park in Dublin.

The club is also fighting to defend their Premier Division crown as they are in the mix at the top of the table alongside Avondale United, Ringmahon Rangers, Rockmount, and College Corinthians.

They also got to the semi-finals of the Donie Forde Trophy and lost to Ringmahon Rangers 2-0 at Knockgriffin Park.

Midleton also have a number of former players in League of Ireland academies, such as Ben Dumigan with the Cork City U15s.

Woods will be focused on all aspects of the recently celebrated their 50th anniversary with around 1000 members.

Woods’ appointment was confirmed in a statement released by the Munster Senior League side on Wednesday afternoon.

"Midleton Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of club legend, Billy Woods, as our new Head of Football, effective immediately," they said.

"This marks an exciting chapter for our club as we continue to build on our strong foundation and strive for future success both on and off the field.

"Billy brings a wealth of experience to this vital role, and his footballing ethos aligns perfectly with our club's vision to be the leading advocate for football within our community, nurture talent, enhance our footballing structures, and foster a culture of excellence across all levels of the game.

"As Head of Football, Billy will oversee all football-related operations, including player development, coaching standards, and long-term planning for all of our teams. Billy will liaise with the FAI on national development programmes, work closely with our coaching staff, players, and the wider community to ensure our club continues to thrive both competitively and as a hub for local engagement.

"On behalf of our club management committee, please join me in welcoming and fully supporting Billy, as we embark on this exciting new phase for our club."

Woods returns home after a memorable spell in the League of Ireland that saw the winger win almost every trophy there was to be won with Cork City.

The former Ireland underage international also had spells with Coventry City, Tranmere Rovers, Blackpool, Portadown, and Shamrock Rovers.

The winger won the two biggest prizes that Irish football has to offer, the league title and FAI Cup, in 2005 and 2007.

Woods is now in charge of his hometown club, who have one of the most exciting squads in intermediate football.

Their group includes a number of former Cobh Ramblers players Jake Hegarty, Robert Walsh, and Shane Hallahan, who also had a stint with Treaty United in Limerick.