Waterford FC were saved from going under last year with new owner Lee Power taking over the club and went on to win the SSE Airtricity 1st Division. They launched their stylish kit for their return season to the Premier League last night at the Woodlands hotel in Waterford at it features a classy motivational emblem above their crest.
KIT LAUNCH: Rory Feely and Dean O'Halloran strike a pose as we officially reveal our 2018 @UmbroIreland Home jersey #Blues pic.twitter.com/40QPOGHqH6
— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) February 8, 2018
The club's Operations Manager, Tony Burke told Balls that 'when Lee Power took over the club it was important for him that we not forget our great history.' The emblem reads "50th anniversary 1968" and will be worn at every home game by the team at the Regional Sports Centre this year as a tribute to the team that played at Kilcohan Park when Waterford had its heyday.
The Big Reveal for the Blues! The brand-new 2018 @UmbroIreland @WaterfordFCie Home Kit 🔵⚪️🔥 #Blues #LOI #UmbroIreland pic.twitter.com/NbZWvcAzlW
— Umbro Ireland (@UmbroIreland) February 8, 2018
The modern journey of Waterford FC is almost like history repeating itself, with the formerly Waterford United almost going out of business last year before Swindon Town owner, Power bought the club. The same thing happened back in the 1950s with the League threatening to remove Waterford's license before they turned it around, bringing in legendary players like Johnny Matthews and went on the win the Premier League in the 1965-66 season.
Waterford then went on to win the Premier League 3 years in a row starting in 1968, which is what the 50 year tribute on the jersey represents. The hope behind it is that it will drive the players, now that they are back in the top flight, to emulate that legendary team and move move forward as they did.
The 1968 Waterford team also famously played Manchester United in the European Cup in September of the same year.
Although the emblem will feature on the blue shirt all year during home games, it is only available on the first 100 replica shirts with almost all of them selling out at the launch last night. The jersey is a unique design, especially for Waterford FC by Umbro and is available from the club shop and several retailers from today.
Waterford FC begin their return campaign to the Irish top flight with a home tie against Derry City next Friday, February 16th at the RSC.
