Alan Bennett Appointed Head of Academy Coachingat Cork City FC

Cork City FC have confirmed that Alan Bennett has been appointed as the club's Head of Academy Coaching.

This new position is funded through the League of Ireland Academy Investment Programme supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and Sport Ireland. 

The role will see the former City captain working closely with Academy Director Colin O’Brien and all of the Academy’s coaching staff, aiding in the development of both coaches and players.

Speaking ahead of the announcement, Bennett said: “I’m extremely proud to take on the role of Head of Coaching at Cork City FC Academy. "Having come through the club’s academy and represented City as a player and captain, this is a club that means a great deal to me. 

“Cork City FC has a proud history, a strong identity and a reputation that extends well beyond the League of Ireland. 

"The academy has a strong foundation, and my ambition is to build on that and continue to raise standards.

”I’d also like to acknowledge Minister Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister Charlie McConalogue TD and Sport Ireland for their continued investment in the development of League of Ireland academies. 

"I’m grateful for the trust placed in me. I’m looking forward to getting started and achieving our ambitions together."

Academy Director Colin O’Brien was pleased to welcome Bennett back to the club, saying: “I’m delighted to welcome Alan back to the club. 

"This new role is another important step on the journey we are taking with the Club’s academy.

"Having worked with Alan before, I know he is a good fit for the Club and what we want to do. 

"His experience will be invaluable to our coaches within each of our teams in the Academy, and we are looking forward to getting straight to work.”

Meanwhile, while a war of wards ensues between Joey O’Brien and Shelbourne over his sacking in June, he’s been enlisted onto the staff of Ireland U17s ahead of their World Cup tilt.

Ireland are gearing up for a second successive trip to Qatar, where they open against Brazil on November 21, and for preparation will be in St George’s Park on September 23 for a friendly against England.

They’ll continue that camp with three games in Warsaw against the hosts Poland, Georgia and Canada – their last warm-ups for the global showpiece.

Corkman John Cotter has succeeded his former boss Colin O’Brien as manager and will be assisted by Mark Connors at the finals.

Another O’Brien, five-times capped Joey, has only committed for this camp but could trek to the far-east if still available into the winter.

“Joey has unbelievable experience,” said FAI technical director Shane Robinson about his fellow member of the current Uefa Pro License course.

“Having listened to his journey, the people he’s worked with like Sam Allardyce who has shaped him, we want those people in our system to influence players, even if it's for a short time.

“Last year I was at the World Cup and Damien Duff was working for Fifa. I’d prefer to see him working with us in the FAI to give back to the players.

“I took away from that experience that we’d be mad not to bring experience like Joey in around our camps. He’s a brilliant person but also valuable to have around.”