Ex Celtic star handed key demand on return to management as he steps outside Scotland for first time
Former Hoops and Aberdeen midfielder takes charge of League of Ireland First Division side with immediate effect
Ex-Celtic and Aberdeen star Barry Robson has been tasked with rejuvenating Cork City’s standing in Irish football after being named as their new manager.
The 47-year-old takes charge of the League of Ireland First Division club with immediate effect just two months after being sacked by Scottish Championship side Raith Rovers.
Robson, who has signed a two-year contract, will attempt to guide his new team through a successful league campaign after stepping into only his third managerial role.
The established former midfielder - known for his threat from set-pieces - turned out for the Hoops, Inverness, Dundee United, Middlesbrough, Vancouver Whitecaps, Sheffield United and Aberdeen during a successful playing career spanning almost 20 years.
His stint at Parkhead lasted two seasons between 2008 and 2010, during which he scored on his debut against the Dons, starred in the Champions League at home to Barcelona and made a number of other important contributions.
Since hanging up his boots at the end of the 2015/16 season, the 17-times capped Scotland international has served most of his time in management. His vast experience, both domestically and in European competition is viewed as a key asset in fronting Cork City’s plan to secure promotion this term.
A club statement read: “Cork City FC can confirm the appointment of Barry Robson as the new men’s first team manager for the next two seasons.
“The 47-year-old takes the reins at City having most recently been manager of Raith Rovers, following a spell at Aberdeen, where he led them to a third-place finish in the Scottish Premiership in the 2022/23 season.
“As a player, Robson made over 600 appearances across a 19 year career, featuring for clubs such as Dundee United, Celtic, Middlesbrough, Vancouver Whitecaps, Sheffield United and Aberdeen, as well as representing Scotland at International level.”
Barry Robson relishing ‘great opportunity’ in Ireland
Robson admits he is excited by the prospect of experiencing the famous Friday night atmosphere at Turner’s Cross.
He told the club’s media team: “I’m delighted to become manager of Cork City FC. From speaking to the club, it’s clear that this is a great opportunity.
“We all want Cork City to achieve its full potential and our first target is a successful league campaign, which is our clear aim for the season ahead. There is a talented group of players already at the club, and I look forward to getting to work with them, starting straight away.
“I’ve played at Turner’s Cross before and I know all about the passionate supporter base that Cork City has, so I can’t wait to lead the side out there, and to experience the atmosphere on a Friday night.
Cork’s decision to appoint Robson was influenced by former Blackpool and Leeds United boss Simon Grayson. The Englishman has been acting as an advisor to the club’s board and is understood to have played a vital role in bringing the Scottish coach across the water.
Simon Grayson left impressed by discussions with Robson
Grayson commented: “We are very pleased to welcome Barry to the club. In my conversations with him, I was very impressed with what he had to say. Barry has a clear sense of how he wants his teams to play and what he will demand from everyone around him.
“He has extensive experience as a player and, since his retirement as a player, he has managed a lot of games. We feel the experience he has of managing a club of the size of Aberdeen, both in the Scottish Premier League, and in Europe, will only help with the aims we have, starting with the goal of getting promoted this season.
“Barry will bring that experience to the role, but he will also bring an awful lot more, and we feel he will be a really good fit for the job.”