Barry Robson has signed a new two-year contract to remain as Cork City manager until the end of the 2028 season. Director of football Liam Kearney confirmed the extension, which shows the club's intent to build long-term stability following their confirmed return to the Premier Division.
Robson, who joined the club in January on an initial two-year deal, guided Cork City to the First Division title in his first full season in charge. The club finished as runaway champions, securing promotion back to the top flight after being relegated in 2023. Kearney said the early decision to extend Robson's contract reflects the club's ambition to re-establish itself as a force in the Premier Division and move past a period of managerial instability.
Cork City currently sit first in the First Division with 75 points from 36 games, holding a commanding 19-point lead at the summit. Their recent form has been mixed, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five outings, a sequence that includes a 1-1 draw away to Kerry FC in their most recent fixture. The club's immediate focus is now squarely on preparing for the demands of the Premier Division, with Robson expected to demand the high standards that delivered the title.
Kearney highlighted the manager's impact on the team's performance, noting that under Robson, the team has averaged 2.08 points per game this season. He also revealed that the club's goal for the upcoming Premier Division campaign is to achieve a points total of 45 minutes, a target set to ensure they consolidate their top-flight status. The manager will be the first Cork City boss since John Caulfield to complete three full seasons with the club if he sees out this new deal, providing a continuity that has been lacking in recent years.
The club has also announced plans for new squad additions, with moves for players like Adam O'Reilly intensifying as they shape a squad capable of top-flight competition. Supporters can follow the club's preparations and view the full fixtures schedule for the upcoming campaign. Cork City's next match is the final game of their title-winning season, with the immediate footballing priority being a strong finish before attention turns wholly to 2027. The club's home remains Turner's Cross, where a passionate fanbase described as unbelievable will back the team's top-flight ambitions.
The original report is at Irish Examiner
