WNL Preview: City vs Wexford Youths

It’s been another whirlwind week for Jess Lawton who has been appointed as Caretaker manager of Cork City FC's Women’s Senior team ahead of Saturday evening’s home game against Wexford Youths.

“It’s a fresh start. Paul had put together a really strong group who I know can compete and contend in this league. We’ve shown in a few games this season how good we can be, that we can put on excellent performances.”

The WU17 and WU19 Manager has accepted the role on an interim basis up but intends to make an impact while the club go through the process of identifying a new first team manager.

“It is an interim role, but I won’t be just waiting for the new manager to be appointed. I wouldn’t have taken the role if I didn’t trust the ability and commitment of the senior players, but also If I didn’t believe I could make a difference. We want to hit the ground running against Wexford.”

Lawton is positive and upbeat following a week where’s she’s praised the reaction of the players. “There’s been great engagement with the players this week, it’s been very upbeat but it is a big change that they’re adapting to too. They’re not used to me in this role, I know them all but it’s been supporting roles for me in the past.”

Looking at the game itself, Lawton has some injury concerns but is also focused on some slight changes to the style of play “there will be a couple of small changes to the style of play but the players have been super in taking on the way I like to approach games. We have Ciara McNamara back which is great and are waiting on a couple of minor niggles but we know we are without Natalie O’Brien and Kate O’Donovan.”

When pressed on the possibility of underage players being advanced quickly? “I know the underage players really well and have massive confidence in every single player. But it’s a very difficult squad to break into and we have some excellent senior players. It’s great to know that I can call on our younger girls to cover or even come in and make an impact if they’re needed.”

Cork City FC host Wexford Youths in Turners Cross on Saturday, 14th May at 7.00pm.