Leo30

Keep this up. :thup:

Tanel

27th of January

There I was thinking why I could not reach Lennox. I heard he was away from down or something, but didn't know much. I was too dumb to ask too. He called me around 5 PM and told me that as a Champions of Ireland, we will take part of All-Ireland Cup (which includes teams from Norther Ireland too, as he explained later). I was laughing, and asked Lennox: "Why didn't I know about that cup? I think that ruined our pre-season a bit!" The last sentence was said very angry. Anyway, since there is almost 2 months to the start of the season, I could make some changes in pre-season so we wouldn't be tired so soon. But there's some good in the cup too! 130 000 pounds surely is an nice addition to our bank-account! Though, I & players can really prove that we're no one season wonders! The group including Shelbourne, me, Portadown and Ballymena Utd is certainly one of the hardest we could get. The first and second of Ireland and the best from Norther Ireland! I told players about that too, they knew that this cup existed and they were lauging at me for some time. That wasn't very comfortable, but I forgive that.

5th of January

The Brõtkin deal fell off. I really had an feeling to hit my head againist the wall when I heard that his parents didn't let him move. They want him to go to the university. I really would have love to have talented Estonian in my club so I could atleast talk some Estonian, but I called back to Levadia technical director and said that I respect the decisions of his parents. I may call again sometime. Another upset in the pre-season.

8th of January

In a look restuarant, I accidently ran into some foreign football experts who were in Ireland to take a look of football here. They had some hot connections and were very respected figures in the world of football. They were from scandinavia, didn't ask about the exact country, but the names awfully spelled like norwegians. We had some interesting conversations, mostly about my chances. They had heard about me few times - they told me very honoustly. I should atleast be in Ireland for one season for sure. When it doesen't work & I don't get out, I should try joining some better known club like Shelbourne or Bohemians. I think I'm gonna take that advice.

9th of February

The day after, I had an lenghty talk with Jerry and Brian, the heads of the club. We were talking about the transfer campaign which I thought was failure, even when there's a lot of time to go. The problem has been the transfer money I've got. It is impossible to do deals with that. Then Jerry started: "We know that very well, but there the balance is the problem." I asked: "How? Didn't we record an record profit last year and with this year's money we got in pre-season." Then he replied: "Yes, we did." I immediatly said: "Around 800 000 pounds..." There was that silence like it is before the storm...
Then Brian shuted and locked the door and then said quietly: "There is some thing you need to know." Instead of saying "What?", the mouth stayed shut because I didn't see anything good coming there. Then the chairman continued: "We are in big debts, we've been hiding this for the goverment & league." Jerry then started to talk about it: "We are paying back huge loans we have taken. This money has come here through several people. The loan has been taken by people who are far from close to the club. That's because no-one could get onto it." Then I confusedly asked: "How big amount of money are we talking about here?" Brian then opened his mouth again: "Few years ago, I asked 4 of rich people, who I knew a bit, with very good income to loan some money with nice sum in payback coming for theirselves there. The money we're talking about here is around 15 million pounds, because I have another loan to pay myself and that's big. At the moment, we have paid around 3 millions of it." Jerry added: "Only handful of people we could trust know about it, and you're the first manager to know about it because we trust you." "How many are handful?", I asked. "11 people," they both said on same time. The Brian said: "We've not intended to do anything againist the law to sneak away from taxes. That's in the intrests of the club. We wanted to spend the money on club, rather than that going for a wage of fat politicians." Though with just living through the biggest suprise of my life, I added: "I'm sure you did right. You can count on me, I will keep my mouth shut. Atleast you didn't keep that secret from me and I respect that." Brian said: "That's nice to hear. If you need some time to think about it, you can leave now, we could say the players that you started to feel bad during the conversation." Then I replied: "I'd like to go home, yes." So with white face, I sitted into my car and drove home.

axeman

That's quite a twist to the story and I like it. Hidden debts and all sorts of mafioso dealings. You could just as well have started off with a big club in Italy

Great job and I hope you keep it going

Tanel

2nd of March

After some quiet and boring time, I had time to get over the shock and didn't think about it anymore, though it cooled up our great relationship with Brian Lennox for a bit. But...

Another hit came then. Opening the training ground gate, I saw an absolutely new face. I went to my assistant manager, whispering to his ear and asked who he is. He said: "This is our new midfielder who joined us today. He's name is Thomas Morgan and he is former Shelbourne and Ireland U21 midfielder, who's got some good defensive abilities. He was the best player in Dundalk squad last year and they must thank him alot for getting into the premier division." I replied short: "Okay..." Then I rushed off to the directors office. Opening the door, angrily and half-screaming: "Why the f*ck did you signed an player with me evenen knowing about it!" Then I saw only Jerry was there, but I continued: "I'm not saying that this buy is bad or anything, but it is about the trust you don't give me. You think I can't handle the transfers?" Jimmy replied: "There seems to be a mistake. We asked your assisnant manager to tell you to come here on night before yesterday." I said: "No-one hasn't told me anything about that." Jimmy then said: "We tried to call you, but didn't reach you. He must have forgot to tell you that." Then living through another mysterium, I answered: "Okay, let it stay as it is.I'm too tired of the things I've lived through this pre-season." I returned to the training and I went home later with a very good mood actually.

12th of March

So there was another busy day. I had to meet an journalist from Cork's local newspaper and I got an call from Brian, that John O'Flynn refuses to sign a contract without me in charge of the talks. So after the interview I had to talk with John. I'm pretty sure I could convince him to sign a contract.

So the weather was suprisingly warm for the start of the march, but we still decided to go to the inside restaurant for the interview. This time we decided to go to the nice quiet and beautiful place outside the town. Sat down, I ordered an light launch. Potatosalad and some juice with it.

Then we started:

How was the pre-season?

Actually, it's not been as good as I excepted, there have been a lot of problems, which I can't tell you about.

You surely haven't singed a lot of players. Only three actually. Why?

We've decided to hold the money since the squad here is okay. Those three players were very stricktly chosen since the budget was very limited. But we are also trying to sign some new contracts.

Cork certainly has to sign some contracts and you're star player John O'Flynn is one of the members of the team who runs out of the contract at the end of the year. Are you in negotiations with him?

Yes, we are very interested in signing a new contract with him. The negotiations are on the peak and we would like to resolve this problem in few weeks. He wants an small pay-rise which we can't promise him right at the moment, but next year.

He indeed was sensation in Irish football last season, there must be some intrest in him. Have you got any offers?

No, no straight offers, but we've recieved some calls from Premiership. He knows it, but I've convinced him to stay here. I think he needs to establish himself and then think about moving. His young and he's got time to remain in Ireland for 1-2 seasons. John is a great friend of mine and I'd like to take him with me once I'm not in the club.

Leaving the club has been one of the talking points this winter. Will you remain in Cork for that season?

Yes, I will remain in Cork this season. I've talked to some experts and they have said that it is better for me to stay at Ireland for atleast 1 season. I'm just 29 and I've got around 30 years left in my career. I've got no reason to rush.

Now let's change the subject. What are your sights this season?

We ofcourse want to remain the champions of Ireland, but I'm thinking about getting atleast into the second qualifying round of Champions League. But we want to win in competitions which are played in Ireland.

That question may not require a lot of thinking, but still: who's your biggest rival?

That must be ofcourse Shelbourne. They've had an strong transfer market and they were already strong last season. But other team that will fight for the title will be Bohemians. Playerwise they may have even more options and skill than us, but that doesen't mean they will win.

What to you think about new-comers?

For me, Dundalk may do a thing or do in the league, but I don't see Galway Utd suceeding. Though, I'm not a right man to talk here, because I know very little about them.

It was nice to talk with you and good luck to the Cork!

Thank you for interviewing.

16th of March

I got told the thing that bookies thing that we are favourites to win the league with Shelbourne. I was not interested in it, because I knew that we've actually no favourites, but we're gonna work our socks off to win it again.

17th of March

Long waited travel to start the IPD. Lot has changed since I joined the club. A new bus and the training groud was rebuilt inside. There will be some more works outside. The first travel was to visit Derry City who gives us a lot of troubles usually. I was not sure about the game, but on good day we would have won this.

Irish Premier Division, Week 1
Derry City 1:0 Cork City

Youngsters Gary Curran's debut ended with an last minute loss. Despite creating a lot of chances, which was good, we didn't managed to score none of them and the punishment came in extra-time. Since Shelbourne and Bohemians both won, it was already our first setback in the first round of the championship, but I told the player that they did well on pitch today. We only have to convert those chances into goals. The situation isn't very bad it seems.

Tanel

24th of March

I really wanted to win as Finn Harps traveled to our home. They've been easy opponents for us and we were clearly favourites. Win was a must! Atmosphere at dressing room was good and when we left. I shouted: "John! (to O'Flynn ofcourse)" He looked back and I told him: "Promise me that you will score today!" He replied: "I will score a goal, my friend!" The weather was getting better day by day in Ireland, so we even didn't have to wear gloves or something, like we did againist Derry. Once again, I sat down on the bench of Turners Cross, saying to my assistant manager: "It's nice to be here again." He said a bit funnily: "It sure is!" Then soon after the whistle of the game was gone.

Irish Premier Division, Week 2
Cork City 2:0 Finn Harps (36. John O'Flynn, 39. Jonathan Minnock og)

Two goals in a space of few minutes gave us 2:0 win! John did score tonight and like always when he scores, we somehow win. So, my seat was very worm for the end of the match, since I had nothing to complain about on the side of the pitch. Well done by lads.

31st of March

So we had to go to the Irish footballhell for us, Dublin, where there are two great clubs - Bohemians and Shelbourne. On this day, we met the first one. We manage to get results from them and I would count them equally good to us, so I did hope for a win, but we had to go into the game in more defensive note since they started off the season very well with 2 wins.

Irish Premier Division, Week 3
Bohemians 1:2 Cork City (68., 75. George O'Gallaghan)

What a day! We started off with almost heartbreakingly bad performance which lasted for the whole first half. Thank god (read: goalkeeper Michael Divine) we managed to let in only one goal. I told the players, what they did wrong, I replaced two players and told them to do a lot better in second half. And they sure did! Lads made an sensational come-back. Dominating the entire half, even before Bohemians defender got red card in 62th minute. Few minutes later. I was off my bench, clapping my hands to O'Gallaghan who managed to score an wonderful goal to put as back on level. Then another bunch of minutes later that wasn't no clapping, I was jumping around like an little kid, George ran to me! Hundred fans who travelled with us made such noise! I screamed to George: "Awesome!!! Thank you!!!" After the goal, I never sat down and after the goal, gave my standing ovation to our players. I told them to be proud of the come-back! No better way to win our big rivals away.

1st of April

Thanks to the final 2 games, I was chosen as the third best manager of the month. George O'Gallaghan was the start of the month though. Grabbing the best goal againist Bohemians, he also was voted as the second best player of the month.

4th of April

All-Ireland Cup started that day. We had our first game at home next day, but the other game at the group ended Shelbourne winning againist Portadown 4:1!

5th of April

It was an funny tie for me, as I didn't know anything about the club called Ballymena Utd, but odd makers said I should win this game with ease. I think I should believe them. We're certainly better than them, but is that enough!? I thought that we are good enough that I could go to few players and tell them, you can sit on bench today and rest your foot. Though, I did put on the amazing attacking trio.

All-Ireland Cup Groupstage, Matchday 1
Cork City 4:0 Ballymena Utd (16. Denis Behan, 26. John O'Flynn, 33. George O'Gallaghan, 69. John McGrath)

Quick goals from the amazing attacking trio provided me with a victory very fast. I could give some more players rest after taking them off in half-time. John McGrath, winter buy, managed to score his first goal for us, though he have had some sub performances before.

Tanel

8th of April

The spirit was high in Turners Cross, as we prepared to face Dundalk. The betting offices all put as firm favourites for the match and win would have taken us to pretty good position. I played with the most normal formation.

Irish Premier Division, Week 4
Cork City 1:1 Dundalk (51. John O'Flynn)

What a bad game. Few players didn't even got half of their usual performance. We had some chances to win though, but player kept ruining the chances. This cost us a first place in table! You must imagine how I feel.

12th of April

Under me, we've never faced team named Shelbourne in our home and this was the case for our next meeting too. We hoped to win againist and the odds always give us a lot of chance to win, but we still manage to lose or draw.

All-Ireland Cup Groupstage, Matchday 2
Shelbourne 2:0 Cork City

This is just stupid! How dumb goals did I let in. Just wonderful! The dressing room spice up at first half didn't help at all. We again had a lot of chances on 1:0, but never manage to use them. I wanna beat Shelbourne so hard. We're meeting again soon.

15th of April

So we were hoping to rise in the table again as we met Bray Wanderers at home. It was my second meeting with them in my career, if I'm not mistaken. Last time we certainly won at home. The season wasn't good overall, but we really hoped to get back on track this day.

Irish Premier Division, Week 5
Cork City 0:2 Bray Wanderers

I was curssing everyone and everything again. This match was just awful! We created nothing, lost balls in midfield etc. Totally deserved loss. Again we would have rise to the position 1 with a win. Now instead we are in second half of table!

18th of April

Game away againist Portadown was a perfect chance to get our confidence back. It was a nice game only one of our players missed the trip because he didn't have an passport. Roy O'Donovan is the guy! He is doing one at the momen, so he could join us for another trip againist Ballymena in the next round.

All-Ireland Cup Groupstage, Matchday 3
Portadown 3:0 Cork City

This form is the worst in my Cork career! This beats the low of last year by a mile. We can't even create chances againist team who is probably only half as good as we are! Embrassing! Some guys need to come for a talk with me.

Tanel

22th of April

Now it was make or break. Another travel to Dublin and we weren't very hopeful. We needed to fight back like we did last year and evantually, we finally won the title. I told them to forget all the troubles, play like we have nothing to play for, without no pressure. Ripping the sheet with Premier Division table to pieces. I knew it helps them to relax on pitch. I told them: "Don't... Think... About... The... Table..."

Irish Premier Division, Week 6
Shelbourne 1:1 Cork City (90. Denis Behan)

Finally a positive result arrived. After Behan's goal in extratime, I was again ready to jump like crazy. That draw should certainly rise the spirit at the training ground. I told the players - I'm happy about you. Great come-back! Now build on it!

26th of April

Roy O'Donovan got his passport and was with us when we travelled to Norther Ireland on 26th, to meet Ballymena Utd in the 4th matchday of All-Ireland Cup. We needed to win this match if we wanted to stand an 90% chance to get into next round.

All-Ireland Cup, Matchday 4
Ballymena Utd 1:3 Cork City (45., 84., 86. John O'Flynn)

John was finally on his last year level. After the hat-trick, I told him: "Forget about the contract row at the moment. We will discuss it when it's time for it." He seemed to agree me and he looked very hungry to score more and continue this form. I hope he starts Flying again!

27th of April

So we got our draw for the Irish Munster Senior Cup, a cup where I won my first title in abroad leagues. The opponent was Irish Leeds Utd. Somehow, I recieved an call from their manager, who's name was unknown for me. He told me "good luck!" and said that he's team will not make it easy for me. He sounded a bit too confident and rude too.

29th of March

So it was time to see are we really back inform. The game in the league was againist strong St Pat's Athletic, who likes to give headache to the big teams. Our last meeting though, ended with my victory from what I remember. I completly didn't think about the table, what was in my mind was getting the win and form back.

Irish Premier Division, Week 7
Cork City 3:2 St Pat's Athletic (30. John O'Flynn, 85., 90. pen. George O'Gallaghan)

Despite our 3rd red care in last four games (yes, I haven't mentioned it! Just crazy, this is a problem I need to work a bit) we still managed to win. George O'Gallaghan again was the rescue god! We played around 70% of the match with one less game, but still were better. They only controlled a 15 minute period after O'Flynn's goal and unluckily managed to grab 2 goals then. Somehow, I saw that come-back coming. O'Flynn and O'Gallaghan again proved why I rate them highly.

Tanel

3rd of May

Finally we had an chance to meet Shelbourne at home. It was during the All-Ireland Cup! The stadium had twice more people than usually. One of the extra man's was Brian Lennox, Cork's chairman. The hopes were high at the Turners Cross. We were looking good at the trainings and games lately, so win wasn't out of question on day. The game was also broadcasted in TV and I was in the studio, while the players were warming up and chillout music was still playing. The commentator asked me: "Hello Tanel. You've finally found your form, are you now good enough to win the game againist Shelbourne?" I didn't think for a long time: "The squad has trained hard lately and the spirit is high. I think we are ready to win againist the biggest team in Ireland which Shelbourne at the moment unfortunately is. Though, when inform, we are equally good comparing to them." Then Dan (the commentator) asked: "How is the dressing room atmosphere tonight?" I answered: "It was good when I left there, but now I really have to go."
Dan then thanked me and I replied back: "You're welcome, and by the way, you've got little something between your teeth." He put his finger into mouth and then I shouted: "Got you!" I asked players to come in and talk the playing plan through then.

All-Ireland Cup; Groupstage; Matchday 5
Cork City 0:2 Shelbourne

Disappoiting. We played good, but again the goals were just hillarious. After the first one, I was ready to broke some things in the stadium. Defender mis-read the cross and after that Shelbourne's Dutch striker Marc van Eijk had free way towards the goal. The second goal was okay though. But why did we managed to screw up so many chances remains a mystery! I asked players to join me in the dressing room without talking to the press - I told them that they did fine overally, but they really need to make their scoring better.

6th of May

So we wanted to get immediatly back onto track and we faced though test againist Shamrock away. They have been performing over the expectations and are in the first half of the table. It was nice to see how good is our form againist them. I didn't want to think about the table until we were on decent position and that's what I did. I made players concentrate on the form and after few good results, we will watch the table. They agreed me on that point.

Irish Premier Division; Week 8
Shamrock 0:2 Cork City (75. Roy O'Donovan, 90. Denis Behan

So we showed that we've still got it and I was very happy with a game at Shamrock, though we left it late. Denis Behan's goal, believe it or not, came on 7th overtime minute! We managed to dominate most of the match and that was a really good sign.

9th of May

We had to win to get into the next round of All-Ireland Cup. In some time, I meant that it is pointless cup and didn't really want to continue there, but I reconsidered. The further we would have gone, the more money we would have got for this and we need money. The opponent we went to play againist was Portadown. We were also in the middle of an very funny & sad situation, we had no right wingers. Only player I could put there was defender Neal Horgan.

All-Ireland Cup; Groupstage; Matchday 6
Cork City 3:0 Portadown (3., 20. John O'Flynn, 51. Liam Kearney)

A great win. The away result was turned another way round. We didn't have problems durin the match. John O'Flynn back scoring again! He's doing wonders in that cup for sure. Oo Fly'n!

stebs

KUTGW. I like this story.

Palermo07

yea ive been reading your story its really good keep it up!!