Stokes in, Boylan out for Cork City
Cork City FC have announced the signing of Eoghan Stokes, who has joined the club from Derry City FC.
On the final day of the summer transfer window, it has also been confirmed that Gary Boylan has left the club, after agreeing the mutual termination of his contract.
Speaking about his move, Stokes said that he was pleased to have joined City: “It is something that has been going on since the break, so I am delighted to have it sorted. It was getting close to the deadline, but I am delighted to be here now. It’s a great set-up and I was very eager to join the club.
“I just want to come in, play as many games as I can and score a few goals. I want to try and make a good season of it and help turn things around here. There are a lot of really good players here, who have won leagues and cups; it hasn’t been a great season, but it has started to turn around and, hopefully, I can be part of helping that.”
A Kildare native, Stokes spent four years at the Leeds United Academy, making a first team appearance in 2017 in a League Cup victory, before departing in 2018. He then moved to Bohemians with whom he made 35 appearances before joining Derry in February of this year. The 23 year old has also represented Ireland in a variety of underage teams, most recently with the under 19s.
City Head Coach John Cotter welcomed the news, saying: “He gives us great options up front. He can play in a number of positions and he was very eager to come here. We are delighted to have him and hope he will kick on now. Talks have been going on for a few weeks and he had the drive and the passion to come in and do well, so we hope he will give us an injection of quality now.”
Meanwhile Boylan's departure comes just six months after signing for City from Sigo Rovers. Commenting on his departure, Cotter said: “Gary obviously came in off the back of a long-term injury, so he was unavailable for a few months but he got himself going and got into the team.
“He was a great lad in the dressing room, but he has decided to move back home, and we would like to thank him and wish him the best of luck for the future.”
Following a 1-1 draw against Shamrock Rovers last Sunday, City welcome St Pat's to Turner's Cross on Friday, where a win or a draw will see City leapfrog Waterford in to seventh place in the SSE Airtricity League table.