Cork City will begin the search for a new manager in the coming days after announcing the departure of Alan Mathews today. The former Longford Town boss only joined the club in January and led the Leesiders to the Setanta Cup title last month.

But after a turbulent year off the field - the club were docked 10 points after financial problems led to them entering examinership during the summer - the Cork City board today withdrew their offer of a revised contract to the Dubliner.

"Alan has been a tremendous leader throughout the examinership process and is a very talented football manager," Cork chairman Tom Coughlan said in a prepared statement.

"I would like to thank him for efforts in this difficult time for the club. I have no doubt he will have a great future in football."

Mathews replaced Damien Richardson in the Turner's Cross dugout at the start of the year after building an impressive CV with Longford. The midlands club claimed two FAI Cups and a League Cup title during his six-year tenure.