David Meyler has ended his long association with the city of Hull after departing for his hometown of Cork to take up a new role as Cork City assistant manager. The 36-year-old former Tigers midfielder had remained in the city despite leaving the club in 2018 and having brief spells at Reading and Coventry City.
His association with the Tigers reignited in early 2023 when helping with the club’s under-15s team, joining the coaching set up purely in a casual capacity to gain some knowledge and experience as he set up his own coaching school in the region. Having impressed with his input and way of working, Meyler was offered a role at the start of last season as a Professional Development Phase Coach, with a focus being on overseeing City’s under-18s team.
Under Myler’s leadership the under-18s registered their highest-ever finish in the Professional Development League, which has clearly caught the eye with Cork offering the ex-Republic of Ireland international a position as assistant manager under new boss Ger Nash.
“I am really delighted to be back at City, where my journey in professional football started,” Meyler said. “Since retiring from playing, I have really enjoyed the coaching side of the game and this is an opportunity that I am really looking forward to.
“I have spoken to Ger at length about the role and I am excited about what lies ahead. I know that Ger is very keen to have a really strong Cork representation among the players and staff and, as both a Corkman and a former player, this club means a lot to me and I will do everything in my power to help us progress.”
Hull City’s Academy Manager Richard Naylor paid tribute to the departing Meyler. He said: “David was great for the academy and we would like to thank him for his hard work during his time with us.
“Everyone learned something from him – he was brilliant with the lads – and he developed as a coach. We understood he would want to move into a first-team environment at some stage and that was the appeal, as well as Cork being where he’s from.
“Making the transition from academy to first team is the progression a lot of coaches want to take, and we wish David all the best for this next step in his career. We will be looking to add another coach to the PDP department as soon as possible, and this is an excellent opportunity for someone else to come in and help move the academy forward.”