Cork City sign French defender Milan Mbeng

Cork City have announced the signing of Milan Mbeng for the 2025 season which gets underway on Friday, February 14th with the visit of John Caulfield and Galway to Turner's Cross.

The 22-year-old French defender, who had spells at EA Guingamp and Charleroi, featured for City in recent pre-season friendlies against Bohemians and Waterford, and has put pen-to-paper on a deal for the 2025 season.

Speaking after signing for City, Mbeng said: “I am really grateful to sign for Cork City, and I’m happy to start a new adventure in Ireland. 

"I can't wait to play for this big club.” 

Cork City boss Tim Clancy said he was thrilled to have another defender signed for the season ahead.

“Milan has been in with us for a few weeks now, so we’ve been able to have a good look at him.

”He’s impressed in the games he’s played in, and we are pleased with how he’s settled in, so it’s great to have him signed up ahead of the start of the season.”

New signing from St Pat's Alex Nolan can't wait to play for the club and experience a Friday night in Turner's Cross as part of the home team.

“I could have stayed at St Pat’s but didn’t want to start the season on the bench,” confessed the Dunboyne native about his dilemma.

“There were a few clubs around Dublin interested too but I like stepping outside of my comfort zone.

“It’s a different challenge but the best option because I want to play football.

“There’s no better buzz than playing on Friday night and I know from playing against Cork City over the years what a great atmosphere fans generate at Turner’s Cross.”

Nolan is returning from a pre-season injury and adopting an optimistic outlook for the campaign ahead.

His confidence, against a landscape seemingly shorn of it, stems from how Shels leapt to first from fourth against the odds and newly-promoted Galway United finished fifth last season.

“I think the sky can be the limit for Cork this season,” he said.

“With the size of the club and a great manager in Tim, Cork are a Premier team capable of challenging in the top half.

“The division was very open last year and I’d expect the same this time, especially now that all the teams are full-time.

“When the offer from Cork came, I discussed the pros and cons with my family but made the decision because I feel we can be successful.

“Tim will give me freedom to do my stuff in the final third of the pitch and I just can’t wait to get going now.”

Meanwhile, Cork City Women FC are delighted to confirm the full management team for their women’s first team, ahead of the start of the 2025 League of Ireland season, which starts in March with an away trip to Peamount.

As announced earlier this month, Frank Kelleher has returned to the club as first team manager, and he has been busy assembling his backroom team.

Assisting Frank will be Craig Robinson.  Craig served as the club's WU17 manager for the last two seasons and has over 15 years experience in the women’s game.

Paul Hunt and Trish Fennelly Hunt are on board as goalkeeper coaches. 

Paul, a former player with the men’s first team, and Trish, former player and WU19 manager, bring a wealth of experience at League of Ireland level.

Orla O’Regan continues in her role as Strength and Conditioning coach.

Eileen Foyle continues as physio, while Santiago Dei Cas is on board as the team's video analyst.