Cork City have appointed former Leeds United, Preston North End and Sunderland manager Simon Grayson as an "advisor to the board".
The Leesiders, who suffered relegation to the SSE Airtricity Men's First Division last season, announced Grayson's arrival on Tuesday night.
In the wake of Ger Nash's departure (he was subsequently named the new assistant coach at Swedish champions Mjallby), Cork City have brought in Grayson to help find a new boss.
They start their league campaign at home to Treaty United on 13 February. The current interim management team of David Meyler, Liam Kearney and Mark McNulty will continue to steer the first team through pre-season as they hunt for Nash's successor.
Grayson, 56, took over Hartlepool last June but was dismissed in October after just one win in 11 games in the National League, which is one division below League Two.
A Cork City statement read: "Grayson's primary focus will be working closely with the board to finalise the appointment of a new first team manager, aligned with the club's vision and ambition.
"His role will also include an analysis of the club’s existing football structures in order to establish robust methods and structures.
"This process is designed with the intention of propelling Cork City back to the League of Ireland Premier Division, and re-establishing them there. His appointment comes at a crucial time as the club seeks to reclaim its place among Ireland's elite.
"The partnership between Simon Grayson and Cork City FC represents an alignment of ambition and tradition, as the club gains a leader who understands what it takes to build successful football operations from the boardroom to the pitch."
