Fran Rockett on returning to Cobh Ramblers: I know what this club stands for
New Cobh Ramblers head coach Fran Rockett.
Cobh Ramblers recently announced the appointment of Fran Rockett as the club’s new head coach, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter at St Colman’s Park.
The 40-year-old Waterford native takes the reins following the departure of Mick McDermott, who led the Rams to a second-place finish in the First Division before departing prior to the promotion play-offs.
Rockett is no stranger to the club, having both played for and coached at Cobh in previous years. He brings with him a wealth of League of Ireland experience, having served in a variety of roles across the Premier and First Divisions.
His appointment has been met with enthusiasm from club officials and supporters alike, as Cobh continue to build toward a sustainable and competitive footballing future.
“I was first contacted by the Director of Football, Conor Meade, after his appointment last week. He spoke to me about his ambitions for the club and that I was the profile of head coach he wanted to lead the first team.
"We are very much aligned in our thoughts on football, and he understands the determination I have to meet this challenge head-on. My ambition was always to become a head coach; it was just a matter of timing and making sure that it was the right opportunity — somewhere I could put my stamp on things with the right people around me. I’m happy I have that in this role.”
Rockett’s history with Cobh Ramblers stretches back nearly two decades. He first represented the club as a player during the 2005 and 2006 seasons under Stephen Henderson. He later returned to St Colman’s Park in a coaching capacity — first as Assistant Manager to Darren Murphy in 2021 and 2022, and later assisting Shane Keegan.
His deep connection to the club makes this latest step particularly meaningful.
“Coming back now as Head Coach is a very proud moment for me and my family,” Rockett said.
A former midfielder, he made his League of Ireland debut at just 17 with Waterford United in the Premier Division and captained the Irish schools team in 2004.
After hanging up his boots, Rockett transitioned seamlessly into coaching, taking charge of Waterford’s U15 side in 2017 before serving as assistant manager to Alan Reynolds and later John Sheridan at senior level. When Sheridan departed in 2020, Rockett took over as interim manager of Waterford’s Premier Division side, gaining valuable experience at the top tier of Irish football.
Now, as he embarks on his first full-time senior management role, Rockett is determined to instill a culture of professionalism, energy, and togetherness at Cobh Ramblers.
The process of assembling the squad and backroom team for 2026 has already started.
“Primarily, it’s about getting the best people and players in the building,” Rockett explained. “Once that happens, then we can start thinking about our hopes and targets.
While acknowledging that it’s still early days, Rockett says talks with prospective players are well underway.
“The season has only just ended officially, so we’re still in discussions with many players, We’re looking forward to working with a strong group of hungry players who want to play for the club.”
Director of Football Conor Meade praised Rockett’s appointment, describing him as someone who “eats, sleeps, and breathes football.”
“Fran will represent the club with energy and honesty. It’s an exciting appointment, and we as a club will do all we can to help him.”
Rockett, who lives in Waterford with his wife Gemma and daughters Yvie and Lana, is eager to get to work as the club begins preparations for pre-season.
As Cobh Ramblers look to build on their impressive 2025 campaign and push once again for promotion, the return of a familiar face in Fran Rockett marks a new era of ambition, unity, and belief at St. Colman’s Park.”
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