CORK CITY HAVE announced the signing of Robbie Williams after Limerick confirmed his departure today following nearly five years on Shannonside.
According to a brief statement released by the Blues on Twitter, the English defender departed the Markets Field by mutual consent.
Williams, along with Shaun Kelly and Paul O’Conor, was one of three players placed on the transfer list by Limerick on Wednesday.
However, Williams has now been permitted to walk away for free, with Cork City his next destination. He has signed a deal with the Premier Division leaders until the end of the season.
The 32-year-old former Barnsley defender had been a mainstay at the back for Limerick since he joined the club for the 2013 season following a spell with Plymouth Argyle.
Despite being nominated for the SWAI/SSE Airtricity player of the month award for April, Williams was told that he doesn’t have a future at Limerick by Neil McDonald, who took over as manager of the Premier Division club in May.
With Alan Bennett struggling for fitness and Johnny Dunleavy ruled out for the rest of the season, Cork City have been in need of extra options at the heart of their defence, where midfielder Conor McCormack has filled in alongside Ryan Delaney recently.
“We are very happy to bring in a player of Robbie’s experience and ability,” said Cork City manager John Caulfeld. “He has been a major player for Limerick over the last number of years and he offers tremendous cover across the back four, given he can play at full-back and in the centre of defence.
“Kevin O’Connor has obviously gone to Preston, and we have also lost Johnny Dunleavy to injury. Added to that, you also have Sean O’Mahony and Sean McLoughlin travelling to the World Student Games in August, so to bring in a player who knows the league inside out and has played so regularly is great for us. Robbie will also share his vast experience and knowledge of the game with our younger players.”
Williams was part of the first-team squad at Barnsley for over five seasons after coming through the club’s youth ranks. He went on to join Blackpool and scored in a 2-0 win against Yeovil Town in the 2007 League One play-off final which saw the club promoted to the Championship.
After spells with Huddersfield Town, Rochdale, Stockport County and Plymouth, he moved to Ireland in 2013 after being signed by Stuart Taylor at Limerick.
“I am delighted to be here and hope to get cracking straight away,” Williams said. “It was a no brainer when I spoke to John and he showed the interest in bringing me in. Cork City have been flying this season and it will be tough to break in, but I am here for three months and I will give it my best shot.
“Turner’s Cross has been full because the team has been doing so well and, every time I have played down here, the atmosphere has been great, probably the best in the country, so I am looking forward to it and can’t wait to get started.”
Meanwhile, Sligo Rovers have announced the signing of 20-year-old former Port Vale winger Omar Haughton until the end of the season.
– Updated at 3.15pm
Terrible decision. One of lims best players this year. Best of luck Robbie
@Ger Punch: There’s more to this than meets the eye if rumours are to be believed
@Ted Striker: so i believe.
@Ger Punch: Only yes men allowed in Limerick. Turns out they are the real North Korea of Irish football, no anti-government men allowed.
@Ted Striker: Any info on what rumours may be?
Gary Barlow headed in the opposite direction as part of the deal…
Not good enough for Limerick, but OK for the league leaders, 34 points ahead of them?
Why say former barnsley defender. He played for limerick! Does it make it more news worthy he played in uk with barnsley of all clubs?..poor taste
@Dearan Reidy: yes it does
@Dearan Reidy: kinda tbf
Great bit of business by Cork. He wont take an age to bed in and has buckets of LOI experience.
@Dan: how is it great business. Why waste 10-15k on a players wages when the league is already a certainty. It would be better to blood O’Connor so he is ready for next season.
@Dan: as expected from Mr j caulfied
@John Buckley: he’s going away in August for world student games.
@David Turtle: meant Conor McCarthy. Bennett partnered Delaney tonight and McCormack has been very good at centre half (with plenty of players to cover midfield). Absolutely no need for Williams, his wages could go to next years budget.
@John Buckley: yeah I think McCarthy deserves to be given that opportunity instead of bringing someone in. Striker is what’s needed and go for the treble and unbeaten season.
Great move for cork delighted, he’s by far limericks best defender this season
Sean Kelly one of the best full backs in league ? Robbie on airtricitys team of the month for April and May , Paul o Connor put in good shifts when on the team , this is a strange decision that could undermine the good work of the last year when these lads stuck by limerick when asked to sign by other clubs .
Crazy decision from limerick ‘One of our best players ‘hopefully we won’t regret it at the end of the season
Pitty,because he’s not a bad singer
He laid on a great assist for Seanie for Citys 3rd goal in Limericks game at Turners Cross recently
Welcome to the best team in Ireland
What the hell is going on in Limerick…why are they all leaving? Mcdonald better have something up his sleeve!
@John Williams: Strange decision, 3 good players. I liked Kelly especially.
@John Williams: if he doesn’t have something up his sleeve then the decision would be baffling. The results have been poor for a few months now so maybe the squad needs a shake up.