The rebranded Waterford FC, which recently dispensed with the 'United' and reverted back to its original pre-1982 name, have announced a few signings this evening.
And among them is a 20 year old centre half from Derry City, Patrick McClean, the brother of James. McClean was supposed to be playing in England this season but his summer move to Norwich City didn't materialise. In November, he had a brief trial with League One side, Walsall.
Now, he's bound for the south-east and the suddenly ambitious Waterford FC.
Waterford FC is delighted to confirm the signings of Patrick McClean, Matthew Connor, Gary Delaney and Anthony McAlavey ahead of 2017 season
— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) January 3, 2017
In an interview with the Derry Journal last May, he said he wanted to be known for being him and not for being James McClean's brother. We can only apologise for the headline.
Their other signings include goalkeeper Matthew Connor, an underage international who has played for both Wexford Youths and Cork City, and Gary Delaney, who arrives from Wexford Youths.
Yesterday, it was announced that Alan Reynolds would be appointed manager and Pat Fenlon would be installed as Director of Football.
It has been a great off-season for the club.
Waterford United were in such dire financial shape last year that then manager Roddy Collins challenged John Delaney to a charity boxing match in the hope of raising money.
Big JD - for that would be his nickname as a pugilist - didn't respond publicly to the challenge. Mercifully, the club avoided a fine for their manager's impudence. It was the last thing they needed. They finished the season in 5th place in Division 1 but this very ordinary performance for a club of their stature was a mere sideshow to the financial drama.
But in the close season, they club has been bought by Swindon Town chairman Lee Power.
A former pro, Power was born in Lewisham but played underage international football for Ireland. His family hail from the Waterford area.
He took over the club in November and immediately set about rebranding the club to better reflect its traditions. As Waterford FC, the club dominated the League of Ireland in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Power also intends to alter his crest to something more in keeping with club tradition. Here was his statement on assuming control of the club. He thanked John Delaney - himself a Waterford United man by background and family heritage - for facilitating his takeover.
I am delighted to be involved with a club of such great potential and one which has a wonderful footballing history," Power said.
I hope the supporters and the business community will get behind what is a new beginning for Waterford United. I see this as a very exciting, long-term project.
The facilities at the RSC, as well as those at the WIT Sports Arena are top class. I wish to thank FAI chief executive John Delaney for all his assistance over recent months, and I look forward to the coming season with great anticipation.
I would also like to pay tribute to outgoing chairman, John O’Sullivan and I would like to thank him for his assistance with the change of ownership.
On retiring from football in the early noughties, Power became a football agent and later a sports publisher.
