LAST UPDATE | 31 Jul 2019
CORK CITY HAVE bolstered their attacking options by bringing in Derry City’s Eoghan Stokes.
The Leesiders have been keen to address their struggles in front of goal in an effort to move away from the relegation zone.
John Cotter’s side have scored just 20 goals in their 25 Premier Division games this season. Only bottom side UCD have managed fewer.
Stokes has made nine starts and 11 substitute appearances for Derry in the league this season, netting three times.
The 23-year-old Leixlip native, who has been used as a central striker as well as a winger, joined the Candystripes ahead of this season, following a year at Bohemians.
“It is something that has been going on since the break, so I am delighted to have it sorted,” Stokes said. “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.”
City head coach John Cotter added: “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.”
He was close to signing for Cork City in 2017 while still on the books at Leeds United, but a deal to bring the former Ireland youth international to Turner’s Cross ultimately fell through.
Stokes moved to Leeds from St Kevin’s Boys at the age of 16. He made one first-team appearance for the Elland Road outfit in a League Cup win against Newport County.
Ahead of Friday’s visit of St Patrick’s Athletic, Cork City are in eighth place, seven points clear of an in-form Finn Harps side who have taken 10 of the last 15 points available to them.
- Originally published at 09.05
