Cork City have appointed Liam Buckley as sporting director as the Rebels look to halt their poor start to the League of Ireland season.
Buckley will work with manager Colin Healy in a role "primarily based on player recruitment, along with supporting management on all football-related matters" according to City.
The 63-year-old has won two league titles and FAI Cup in a managerial career going back over 25 years since taking charge of Athlone Town in the 90s.
His most recent spell was with Sligo Rovers as he led the Bit O' Red to two European qualifications – their first in a decade.
Cork boss Healy has come under pressure with just two wins in 13 matches since their return to the top flight.
New owner Dermot Usher had been eyeing a director since taking over the club and is pleased with the appointment of Buckley.
Usher said: "I am delighted to welcome Liam to the club. He has had a long and very successful career in football, and brings a huge amount of knowledge and experience to the role.
"Liam will be focussed on assisting the club in terms of player recruitment, as well as supporting the good work already being done on the football side of things.
"His knowledge and experience will be a big asset to us as we look towards the summer and beyond, so I am very pleased to have him on board."
Buckley said he wants to build on Cork City’s potential: "I am very pleased to be joining Cork City FC. I have had some very good conversations with Dermot and the staff at the club, and am really looking forward to working with everyone.
"Having been promoted back to the Premier Division last season, we are all keen to build on the good work that has already been done and work together to help this club achieve the potential it has."
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