Mark McNulty has no intention of giving up the Cork City gloves without a fight.
The 39-year-old has signed a new deal with the Rebels ahead of next season but will also be part of Neale Fenn’s coaching staff.
Club stalwart McNulty lost his place to Tadhg Ryan towards the end of last season.
Ryan has since left the Turner’s Cross outfit but former Anderlecht and Nottingham Forest keeper Liam Bossin has been snapped up.
McNulty said: “I’m doing my coaching badges at the moment and I’ve spoken to Neale a lot, so it’s something I’m very interested in.
“I still feel I have a lot to offer as a player but I’m really looking forward to working alongside Neale, Joe Gamble and Alan Bennett on the coaching staff too.
“I’ve worked with David Harrington quite a bit and he has all the attributes to be a top goalkeeper, so I hope to help him like his father (Phil) helped me throughout my career.”
Rebels boss Fenn insists it was important to lean on McNulty’s experience next year as the club looks to pick up the pieces after a miserable season.
“Mark has been a stalwart of the club for many years now and, with the experience he has, he has a huge amount to offer the squad,” said Fenn.
“Having him signed as a player also gives us real strength in depth in that department.
“I’ve no doubt that he’ll have plenty to pass on to Liam Bossin and David Harrington.”
Fenn added: “We’ve an awful lot of young, talented players with real hunger to succeed, but you need experience as well.
“So to have Mark and Alan Bennett both signed up in the last few days is a real boost from that point of view.
“Both of the lads are steeped in Cork City and understand what it is to play for the club, so they’ll have a big role to play in bringing the young players through.”
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