City sign John Andrews

**Troy.McClure** · 09/05/2002, 6:18 PM

From City Net

John Andrews signs for City
Cork City have signed ex-Mansfield Town and
Coventry City defender, John Andrews on a
two-year contract.
The 23-year-old central defender who quit
cross-channel football eight months ago and joined
City on a 'free' represents one of the club's biggest
signings in recent years.

The former Ringmahon Rangers man played close
on 200 first team games for Mansfield Town in a four-year stint at the
club and prior to that he had three-and-a-half years with Coventry City
reserves where he played alongside Irish players like Barry Quinn,
Barry Prenderville and Colin Hawkins.

"I came back from England totally disillusioned with the game and sick
to death of it. I just didn't want to touch it or kick a football ever again.
But now, after eight months away from it, the time just feels right for
me," said John after putting pen-to-paper on his new two-year deal.

"I am delighted to be back and I always said that if I ever came home I
would only play for one club and that's always been Cork City," said
Andrews.

Andrews, who plans to sit his Leaving Certificate next year, is on an
adult education feeder course at Colaiste Stiofain Naofa, Tramore
Road.

"Because of my study and the educational side of things, I have only
signed on a part-time basis with Cork."

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Im not too sure if we need another centre back, but if roumers of Derick leaving prove true, this would be a good bye. He seams like a solid player with a good track record, although Im not too sure about the "I didnt want to kick a football" quote. Still though, you cant have too many players (eventhough I would prefer some more of them to be strikers)

**Citygirl** · 09/05/2002, 7:39 PM

Just some info about John that i thought some of you might like:

Born on the 2nd of September 1978, John grew up in Mahon where he attended the Holy Cross Boys National School and Nagle Community College. He played for Ringmahon Rangers before leaving for Coventry City. He played youth and reserves for Coventry. After being released by Coventry he played non-league football with Grantham Town where he was spotted by Mansfield Town. He was offered a trial and signed for Mansfield on a free in September '99.

**pete** · 10/05/2002, 10:37 AM

Originally posted by Troy.McClure
"I came back from England totally disillusioned with the game and sick to death of it. I just didn't want to touch it or kick a football ever again. But now, after eight months away from it, the time just feels right for me," said John after putting pen-to-paper on his new two-year deal.

Seems to be very common amoung returnees from cross channel that takes them a good while to get over the disappointment of the english game. The FAI & eL needs to ensure this sort of player isn't allowed to go to waste.

**dalo** · 10/05/2002, 1:14 PM

all very good. he sounds pretty useful but this eight month absence could be worrying.

why 8 months ?

**Troy.McClure** · 10/05/2002, 1:19 PM

Originally posted by pete

Seems to be very common amoung returnees from cross channel that takes them a good while to get over the disappointment of the english game. The FAI & eL needs to ensure this sort of player isn't allowed to go to waste.

Ya, you're right, but why was he so dissillusioned? He made 200 apperences for Mansfield in 4 years, so he seamed to be a regular (although he only played 8 times last year) and it would seam unlikely that they just left him go.