This Week at Waterford FC: Excitement, Tributes, and New Beginnings
If you follow Waterford FC, this week brings a whirlwind of news, excitement, and some tough moments for the club and its fans. A big highlight for the Blue Army faithful: on Monday, June 25, players Niall O'Keeffe and Padraig Amond are set for a special signing session at the Club Shop. It runs from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, giving supporters a chance for autographs, photos, and maybe even a quick chat. For many young fans, meeting local football heroes is a thrill that sticks for years. Expect the Club Shop to be buzzing long before kickoff on match day.
All eyes then shift to the next home clash as Waterford hosts Sligo Rovers at the RSC. With anticipation running high, the club is urging everyone to snap up tickets early. Interest has spiked thanks to a string of impressive performances. Their recent away win in Bray, powered by goals from Richard Taylor and Phoenix Patterson, is fresh on people’s minds—especially coming right after an FAI Cup victory over Dundalk. Such back-to-back wins have poured fresh energy into the squad and the stands alike.
Academy Progress, Emotional Farewells, and Off-the-Pitch Moves
While the senior team fights for crucial league points, Waterford’s academy sides remain active too. This week, you’ll see the WU19, MU14, WU17, and MU15 teams in both league and cup action. For those following youth prospects, now’s a perfect chance to see the club’s next generation making their mark on the pitch.
Mixed with these upbeat stories are moments of mourning: the club sent out heartfelt condolences to the families of Avu Idris and Gilbert Collins, two diehard supporters lost too soon. Their passion for Waterford FC left a mark on match days, and their absence will be felt around the terraces.
There’s plenty happening off the turf, too. The arrival of Tower Hotel & Leisure Centre as a new commercial partner gives a real lift to Waterford’s off-field plans. Local businesses teaming up with sports clubs is always a good sign—it helps strengthen those community ties and boosts the resources available for everything from facility upgrades to youth programs.
Back with the first team, veteran coach Alan Reynolds stepped in as assistant head coach. Having someone with Reynolds’s level of experience working alongside manager Keith Long should sharpen tactics and morale alike. Appointments like this usually signal the club isn’t just aiming to tread water—they’re going after bigger things this season.
But not everything is rosy. The club had to issue a firm statement condemning online harassment directed at former striker Louis Britton, now with Cork City. The message was clear: there’s no room for abuse in football, online or in the stands. The announcement hit a chord, showing the club’s support for its players, both past and present, and its commitment to keeping football welcoming for everyone.
In terms of next steps, Waterford braces for key league tests against Cobh Ramblers and Galway United. Each fixture feels like a mini-final as teams jockey for crucial positions in a tightly-packed table. With new energy around the club—from the coaching staff to business partnerships and determined academy hopefuls—the mood heading into these matches is one of quiet confidence.