Sean Maguire signs new Cork City contract

Cork City have been handed a major boost ahead of the 2017 season with the news star striker Sean Maguire has signed a new contract.

Maguire was the league's top marksman last season, scoring 18 goals in his first year on the Lee as well as adding five in City's successful FAI Cup campaign and three in Europa League qualification.

The 22-year-old had attracted interest for his displays in Europe and for the Republic of Ireland under-21s, and his retention represents a major coup for City boss John Caulfield.

“I am absolutely delighted,” Maguire told the club's website.

“I owe it to Cork City and John (Caulfield) for what they did for me this time last season. John took a gamble on me coming down here and, after the season I have had, I owe Cork City another season at least. We want to have another crack at the league, because that is what this club deserves.”

“It was a great season, but we want to go that one step further next season and hopefully win the league.

“When I met John this time last year, he told me he was going to give me the opportunity and it was up to me to take it.

“He played me in the first few games and I repaid his faith by scoring goals and continued that form throughout the season.”

“I was enjoying my football, everything both on and off the pitch because the group of players and staff here are the best I have been involved with; I can’t wait to get started again for next season.

“When you are in a team that is confident, surrounded by good players, it gives you confidence and if I start well, I am sure I can have another good season.”

Caulfield added: “Ever since the day after the cup final, when I had a chat with Seanie, I was very confident that he would sign back for next season.

“He had a phenomenal season and has put himself in the history books of Cork City with the winner in the cup final.”

“We are all striving to win trophies again next year and to make sure Seanie can get as many goals as possible. He is a huge part of a very important group of lads.

“There was a great atmosphere and a great team spirit here last year; I said all season that it was the best team we have had in my three years here and Seanie was a vital cog in that.”

“As a management team, all we can do is put structures in place and encourage guys, work hard with them every day, but, ultimately, they have to have the ability and the attitude and Seanie has bundles of that.

“He is part of a really great group of lads and, thankfully, the majority of them are there again for next season. We hope that we can get better again in 2017 and Seanie will be a vital part of that.”

Maguire joined the Rebel Army from champions Dundalk at the beginning of last season having struggled for game time at Oriel Park.

He played schoolboy football with Evergreen in his native Kilkenny before making his Waterford United debut as a 17-year-old in 2011.

His form in the First Division earned him a move to West Ham United and he had loan spells with Sligo Rovers and Accrington Stanley before leaving Upton Park without making a senior appearance.