Cork City boss Barry Robson signs new two year deal with the club

Cork City manager Barry Robson has signed a new two year deal at the club.

The coach guided the Rebel Army to the First Division title in his first season at Turner’s Cross, and is now focusing on building a squad that can compete and stay up in the Premier Division.

Robson was on a two-year deal with one left, and his new contract will run until the end of the 2028 season.

“I’m very pleased to have extended my contract,” he told the club’s media team.

“Everyone knows that I’ve really enjoyed my time in Cork so far. Cork City is a great club with great people, and Cork is a beautiful city.

“Winning the First Division was the goal when I arrived. Even though we achieved that goal through a season of hard work, the hard work has continued into the off season as we are now busy building the squad for the Premier Division. 

"We’ve already announced some contract renewals, and we will have some new additions in the near future.

“I’ve said it before that the Cork City fans are unbelievable. Going into the 2027 Season, we know that they are behind us and we’re looking forward to getting back in front of a packed out Munster FA Turner’s Cross in February.” 

Director of Football, Liam Kearney added: “We’re delighted to extend Barry’s deal with the club. 

"Having someone of Barry’s calibre leading City into the Premier Division shows the Club’s intent, and getting this done early was important for us. 

"Barry demands high standards across the Club every day, and this showed in 2026. 

"His way of working and his mentality will be very important as we return to the Premier Division.” 

Should Robson see out the rest of his contract - he will be the first Cork City manager since John Caulfield to do three seasons with the club.

Neale Fenn did just over a year, Colin Healy did two full seasons in the First Division and a few weeks in the Premier, Tim Clancy did just over 12-months, and Ger Nash did half a season.

Caulfield was in the job for 2014-2019, with the club’s most successful coach leaving on the back of a run that saw no wins in eight matches.

The lack of a season to season figure has been a symptom of a malaise that has seen three relegations in six years.

The club first went down in 2020. City were relegated in 2023 with a loss to Waterford in the play-offs and they finished of the Premier Division in 2025.

Robson is expected to buck the trend, with the first item staying up and re-establishing the Rebel Army as a force at the highest level of the Irish football pyramid.