Former Iran and Qatar coach Michael McDermott is new Cobh Ramblers manager 

Former Iran and Qatar coach Michael McDermott is the new Cobh Ramblers manager.

The Belfast native will move to East Cork after experiencing the game through the FIFA World Cup, AFC Champions League, and Irish League.

McDermott is best known as Carlos Queiroz assistant with the pair working together at Qatar and Iran.

Their high point was the group stages of the 2018 World Cup as they helped Iran record a famous 1-1 draw with Portugal, before finishing the campaign with four points.

McDermott also won the Irish Cup with Glentoran by overseeing a 2-1 victory over Ballymena United at Windsor Park.

That was followed by a run in the Europa League, starting with a preliminary round win against HB Tórshavn from the Faroe Islands.

Glentoran’s adventure ended with a defeat to Scottish side Motherwell and McDermott moved on to work with Qatar after the 2022 World Cup.

Cobh Ramblers club chairman Bill O’Leary welcomed the experience of the new Head Coach at St Colman’s Park.

“Michael’s appointment reflects our ambition to bring world-class knowledge to our club,” he said.

“His track record at international and club levels speaks for itself, and we are confident his expertise will elevate Cobh Ramblers.” 

This is the first appointment under the club’s new owners, FC32, who took control at the end of October.

Their CEO, Paul Francis, highlighted McDermott’s performance-driven approach.

“Michael has demonstrated his ability to deliver results in the most competitive environments. 

"His understanding of modern football methodologies and commitment to player development align perfectly with the club’s vision for sustained success,” he said.

McDermott is hoping to build on the young spine that was previously managed by Gary Hunt.

“From my first interactions with the club and community, I sensed something special. 

"I look forward to building a talented squad that will make the town proud and achieving memorable milestones for the Cobh community,” he said.

He continued: “I’m excited to work alongside a fantastic ownership group, a committed Board, and the dedicated players and staff combined with the volunteers who make this club so unique.” 

McDermott last experienced club management during the COVID-19 pandemic, and he turned Glentoran into a team capable of challenging in the Irish League.

That followed a drop of form at the Oval, and the coach led the team to a fifth place finish during his maiden season in charge in East Belfast.

The cup victory meant Europe, and Glentoran built on that by pushing for a league title just one year later.

McDermott’s side finished the campaign in third place, seven points from Irish League heavyweights Linfield.

Glentoran repeated that trick during the 2021-22 season, but the trophy went to Windsor Park once again.

This will be McDemott’s first experience of the League of Ireland, and he will take over a Cobh side desperate to get back into play-off contention after going so close last time out.

The Ramblers went into the 2023 campaign reeling from the loss of manager Shane Keegan, and Hunt steadied the project by steering the club into fifth place at the start of August.

Things fell apart during the turn of summer into autumn and Cobh ended the season in 8th place.

McDermott will start work immediately, with his first competitive game expected to be a bout with Kerry FC in the Munster Senior Cup.