John Caulfield targets play-offs as double-winning former Cork City boss appointed at Galway United

John Caulfield reckons 'anything is possible' as he targets a run of results that will take Galway United into the promotion play-off shake-up.

The Roscommon native, who guided Cork City to the Premier Division and FAI Cup double in 2018, arrives at Eamonn Deacy Park after 18 months out of the game.

He replaces club legend Murphy, who was relieved of his position on Wednesday after the Tribesmen failed to win any of their opening seven league games.

Interim manager Colin Fortune will take charge of Friday night's league game with Bray Wanderers and will remain as part of Caulfield's background staff.

Galway have failed to finish in the top half or challenge for promotion in either of the two seasons following their relegation from the Premier Division.

Caulfield has targeted the play-offs as a realistic target for this season but was quick to underline that he has a lot of challenges lying in wait.

"Throughout my playing and managing career, I've always felt that Galway United were a massive club with huge potential,” Caulfield told the club’s media team.

“It's a club in a big provincial city with an excellent backing and fantastic facilities. The Comers have also been huge supporters of the club over the last few years.

"Right now, we're not where we should be as a club, there is a massive job ahead and we'll face challenges, but I'm hopeful that I can be the man to bring success to the club.

"I'll be looking to get hands on, working closely with Colin Fortune and the rest of the staff.



“We will look to bring the confidence back into the squad and go on a run of results so that we can get into the play-offs. Anything is possible if we all work hard and everyone puts their shoulder to the wheel.

"We will put all of our energy and time into trying to make the play-offs now, along with putting structures in place for next season."

Caulfield was very much seen as a one-club man, who spent 15 years as a player at Turner’s Cross before returning as manager in 2013 following a stint in non-league management.

He left City in May of last year as a poor start to the season saw the Rebel Army pick up just 13 points from their opening 14 games and was eventually replaced by Neale Fenn.

He won two FAI Cups and one league title in his five years with City and never finished lower than second in the Premier Division.

Previously, he guided Cork side Avondale United to two FAI Intermediate Cup titles and two Munster Senior League titles, as well as leading UCC to Collingwood Cup success.