Cork City have announced the signing of former Ireland international Damien Delaney - some eighteen years after he last played for his hometown club.
The 36-year old defender signalled his wish to leave Crystal Palace last month after spending six successful seasons with the club.
Delaney will join until the conclusion of the 2019 season and he will be eligible to play from 1 July onwards, once international clearance is received.
The Cork-born Delaney won an FAI Youth Cup with Cork City in 1999/00 and would break into the first team squad that season, playing alongside his new manager John Caulfield, during the twilight of the latter's own playing career.
His cross-channel career would encompass lengthy spells at Hull City (where he made well over 200 appearances), Ipswich Town and latterly Palace.
He made nine appearances for the Republic of Ireland with his debut coming in the 5-0 win over Northern Ireland in the 2011 Nations Cup match at the Aviva Stadium.
John Caulfield interview following today's news:https://t.co/zGiSeVQ06x
— Cork City FC (@CorkCityFC) June 8, 2018
Speaking to CorkCityFC.ie, Delaney said he was excited by the move and particularly the possibility of playing Champions League football.
"Excited would be the word. I am really excited by what Cork City are doing and the direction the club is going in. Speaking to John, he is obviously very enthusiastic, I know he does things the right way and is driving forward, so that is something I want to be part of."
"I always watched from a distance, to see the results on a Friday night. Doing the double last year was a great achievement and I am looking forward to being part of something that is moving forward.
"Rather than stagnating or going to a club for the sake of it… I think this club is really going forward and I want to be part of it, that’s why I chose to come here."
"Playing in Europe was part of the draw for me. It will be nice to play Champions League football!
"It is all part of this club moving forward and that is what I want to be here for. Hopefully there will be some good nights at Turner’s Cross for the fans and for the club in general."
Manager John Caulfield welcomed the addition of what he called a "phenomenal addition to the club."
"He has so much experience to pass on to the younger lads, he is an all-round quality guy and to have him coming into our dressing room is fantastic. He is over the moon to be coming in and so are we, as we feel he will be a phenomenal addition to the club."
