Former Celtic midfielder Barry Robson takes over as Cork City manager

Former Celtic midfielder Barry Robson has been appointed as Cork City first-team manager for the next two seasons.

The 47-year-old was on Leeside this weekend to finalise the appointment with his first competitive game against Munster Senior League champions Midleton FC in the Munster Senior Cup at Knockgriffin Park on Friday evening.

Robson played at Turner’s Cross with Celtic during a friendly in 2009.

He takes charge after recently managing Raith Rovers and Aberdeen, where he led them to a third-place finish in the Scottish Premiership during the 2022-'23 season.

The coach famously brought group stage football back to Pittodrie Stadium by helping the Dons qualify for the 2023-24 Europa League proper. This run included memorable draws with HJK Helsinki and PAOK, in addition to a narrow defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany.

He made over 600 appearances in his 19-year playing career, featuring for Dundee United, Celtic, Middlesbrough, Vancouver Whitecaps, Sheffield United and Aberdeen, as well as Scotland.

Robson told the Cork City media team: "From speaking to the club, it’s clear that this is a great opportunity.
"We all want Cork City to achieve its full potential and our first target is a successful league campaign, which is our clear aim for the season ahead. There is a talented group of players already at the club, and I look forward to getting to work with them, starting straight away.

PASSIONATE

"I’ve played at Turner’s Cross before and I know all about the passionate supporter base that Cork City has, so I can’t wait to lead the side out there, and to experience the atmosphere on a Friday night." 

Simon Grayson, who led the recruitment process, welcomed Robson’s appointment: "In my conversations with him, I was very impressed with what he had to say. 

Barry has a clear sense of how he wants his teams to play and what he will demand from everyone around him.

"He has extensive experience as a player and, since his retirement as a player, he has managed a lot of games. We feel the experience he has of managing a club of the size of Aberdeen, both in the Scottish Premier League, and in Europe, will only help with the aims we have, starting with the goal of getting promoted this season. 

"Barry will bring that experience to the role, but he will also bring an awful lot more, and we feel he will be a really good fit for the job."