John Caulfield has stepped down from his role as Cork City manager with immediate effect.
The Leeside club confirmed the news in a statement Wednesday morning, with an interim manager expected to replace Caulfield for the foreseeable future before a permanent successor can be found.
Cork City have endured a disappointing start to the SSE Airtricity League, without no win in their last eight Premier Division games leaving the club just three points above the relegation zone.
"I feel the time is right to part ways with the club," Caulfield
said. "I would like to thank the players and backroom team for the huge success brought to the club since 2014. I wish everyone the best for the rest of the 2019 season and look forward to attending games as a supporter in the stands."
https://twitter.com/CorkCityFC/status/1123496406432538624
Caulfield, who was appointed City boss in 2013 after a playing career which saw him score 129 league goals for the Rebel Army and make more appearances for the club than any other player, insisted that he was not considering stepping down after Monday's 1-1 draw with Finn Harps but discussions in recent days have resulted in a mutual decision between Caulfield and the club.
Cork City chairman Declan Carey said: "Everyone at the club is hugely grateful for everything John Caulfield has done for the club, the city and Cork. He holds every record as a player and a manager. He leaves the club with all of our best wishes and we look forward to welcoming John to Turner’s Cross in the future."
During Caulfield's time in charge, Cork City won the SSE Airtricity League title, two FAI Cups and reached the third qualifying round of the Europa League.
