Cork City boss Pat Dolan has been trailing Coughlan in recent months when it became clear he was having difficulties with Bohemians.

Dolan said: "I am delighted to sign Derek. He is a Corkman through and through and now he’s here, it’s great for him and “The Rebel Army”.

"I said when I came here that I wanted the best Munster players to play for the best team in Munster.

"This is another important step towards where we want to go."

Coughlan himself was delighted with the deal. He said: "It’s superb to be back. I’m very excited about what’s happening at Cork City.

"Pat Dolan has created something special here and I really want to be part of it. And I want to be involved in bringing Cork City to the top where it belongs."