Cork City FC confirm six departures including goalkeeper Brad Wade
RELEASED: Goalkeeper Brad Wade and five of his teammates have left Cork City. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Cork City have announced that they have released six players ahead of their return to the League of Ireland Premier Division.
City cruised to the First Division title in 2024 to secure a return to the top flight of Irish football in 2025.
The swift nature of their league winning campaign provided them with ample opportunity to plan ahead of next season, in which they will be hoping to re-establish themselves as a top side.
The Rebel Army re-signed strikers Ruairi Keating and Seani Maguire to add to their fire power and they have now confirmed that six players will not be returning to club in the New Year.
The most notable names include goalkeeper Brad Wade, who had become something of a fan favourite throughout the year, and Jack Doherty, who scored a number of goals since joining from Cobh Ramblers.
Also included on the list are Cians Murphy and Bargary, who progressed through the club's underage sides but have struggled in recent times due to persisting injuries, while John O'Donovan and Aidan Dowling also will not being seeing their contracts renewed.
"Cork City FC can confirm that the following players will depart the club following the expiry of their contracts: Brad Wade, Jack Doherty, Cian Murphy, Cian Bargary, John O’Donovan and Aidan Dowling," the club posted on social media.
"We thank all six players for their contribution to the club, and wish them the very best of luck for the future."
City manager Tim Clancy added: “We would like to thank all of the lads and wish them the very best of luck for their future careers.
"In particular, we acknowledge the two Cians and John, who all came through our academy and have been with the club for a number of years.”
Meanwhile, James Keddy has departed his role as Wexford FC boss.
A club statement read: "We wish to give our thanks to James for his two successful seasons which resulted in two play off finishes, as well as a successful FAI Cup run to the semi-final this year.
"We are very grateful for his hard work in the project at Wexford FC and we were delighted to financially support James and his team in building our profile to get us where we are.
"We look ahead to our 2025 campaign and will begin the process of appointing a new manager immediately."
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