Cork City confirm that John Caulfield has stepped down

After five years, a league title and two FAI Cups, John Caulfield is no longer the Cork City manager.

The club released a statement this morning confirming the news, saying that he will "step down form his positiion as first team manager with immediate effect."

City have never finished lower than second since Caulfield's appointment, however this season City's form has slumped - they're currently in 8th place with just 13 points from 14 games following Monday's 1-1 draw with Finn Harps at Turner's Cross.

Speaking yesterday, Caulfield acknowledged the pressure he was under.

The statement from Cork City reads

Cork City FC wish to confirm that John Caulfield will step down from his position as first team manager with immediate effect. The club and John Caulfield came to a mutual agreement today at Bishopstown Stadium.
 
Speaking on this announcement, Cork City FC 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.”
 
John Caulfield first took charge of Cork City in the 2014 season, steering the club to a 2nd place position in the league and back to European competition for the first time since 2009. He went on to two further 2nd place finishes, winning an FAI Cup in 2016 and then winning a league and FAI Cup double in 2017. The club has also held the Munster Senior Cup since 2016 and won three successive President’s Cups in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
 
Speaking today, John said “I feel the time is right to part ways with the club. 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.”

The club will appoint an interim manager for the foreseeable future, and then begin a thorough recruitment process for a new first team manager. A further statement will follow in the coming days.