Cork City have confirmed the appointment of Simon Grayson in an advisory role to the club’s board.

A statement from the club said “Grayson’s primary focus will be working closely with the board to finalise the appointment of a new First Team Manager, aligned with the Club’s vision and ambition.

“His role will also include an analysis of the club’s existing football structures to establish robust methods and structures.”

“This process is designed with the intention of propelling Cork City back to the League of Ireland Premier Division and reestablishing them there. His appointment comes at a crucial time as the club seeks to reclaim its place among Ireland’s elite.”

Grayson brings extensive experience from senior roles across English football and will work with the Cork City board to provide guidance on football structure, decision-making and strategic development.

His appointment is not linked to day-to-day coaching or match-day responsibilities, but instead is designed to strengthen oversight and expertise at the board level as the club continues its rebuilding process.

 

 

The former Leeds United, Preston North End and Sunderland manager has spent much of his career operating in complex club environments, often during periods of transition or reset. That background is particularly relevant to Cork City, who have prioritised sustainability and stability following recent financial challenges and organisational restructuring.

Grayson’s remit is expected to include input on football operations, recruitment structures, performance frameworks and longer-term planning, rather than short-term results.

For the club’s board, the move provides access to the lived experience of running football departments at scale. Grayson’s career spans promotion campaigns, relegation battles and ownership transitions, giving him insight into risk management and strategic timing, skills that are increasingly valued as League of Ireland clubs operate in a more commercially demanding environment.

Rather than relying solely on internal knowledge or combining multiple roles, Cork City’s approach mirrors models more commonly seen in larger leagues, where boards seek independent football expertise to inform key decisions.

 

 

 

Sport for Business Perspective

From a supporter perspective, the move may not deliver an immediate on-field headline, but it represents a deliberate investment in the club’s foundations. With attendances at Turner’s Cross remaining strong and expectations around performance and professionalism rising, the board-level appointment of an experienced advisor helps bridge the gap between ambition and execution.

 

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