Problems In Waterford [Archive]

NeverFeltBetter

21/04/2016, 8:35 PM

Rather than start a new thread: http://www.extratime.ie/newsdesk/articles/16371/blues-meet-gavin-to-discuss-on-going-club-difficulties/

“The management committee of Waterford United FC and League Director Fran Gavin, held a meeting this evening in Waterford to discuss the serious difficulties the club are experiencing.
“Both parties recognized the great contribution and support of John O Sullivan to the club during his tenure as Chairman.

“In an open and frank discussion the financial well being and future of the club was discussed. The FAI were made aware of the difficult financial situation the club faces at this time.

“Both parties call on the local business and football community to support this great club during this critical time of change.

“You can help your club by attending Friday nights SSE Airtricity League 1st Division game V Drogheda United at 7.45 in the RSC.”

gufcfan

21/04/2016, 8:46 PM

Rather than start a new thread:
And scare the absolute ****e out of Waterford fans seeing "Waterford winding up order" at the top of the forum.

sulywaterfordfc

21/04/2016, 11:17 PM

thomas72

22/04/2016, 6:12 AM

Long term Chairman and backer John O Sullivan is to step down after tomorrows game. Leaves the club in limbo. Absolutely legend of a man and he'll most certainly be missed. Hopefully he can over come he's health issues.

Worrying times indeed. Tomorrows home game will certainly be an emotional one.

Not nice to see this happening a great club like Waterford we ( Limerick fc) have had our fair share of these times in the past and for any true supporter it's a nightmare situation to be in.
I can only wish Waterford all the best really hope ye sort it out.

Nesta99

22/04/2016, 1:39 PM

John O'Sullivan has done a damn good job keeping Waterford alive and kicking through a pretty long difficult spell in the 1st Division. Regardless of the digging around player registrations after the play-off 2012, i've liked Waterford United and hope they can steady the ship. Is there someone who would put in the effort and time O'Sullivan did to step in? I hope what ever illness has prompted his stepping down will be overcome!

Mr A

22/04/2016, 3:11 PM

Cut this out into its own thread as the title was misleading. Maybe should have just changed the title now that I say that. 20/20 hindsight eh?

Funny thing, when I stuck this in our own forum I brought back up an old thread and it was started about problems in Dundalk back in 2012 as Gerry Mathews said he wouldn't renew the license. Shows you how crazy life is in the #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld

sulywaterfordfc

28/04/2016, 11:16 PM

Club released three important pieces today through Facebook.

Firstly: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1010348692373829&id=121447187930655&__mref=message_bubble

Secondly: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1010437349031630&substory_index=0&id=121447187930655&__mref=message_bubble

Thirdly: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1010464215695610&id=121447187930655&__mref=message_bubble

Here's a piece from LeagueofIreland.ie http://leagueofireland.ie/index.php/2016/04/28/donate-anything-you-can-and-help-waterford-united-survive/

A fundraising campaign was set up earlier today https://www.gofundme.com/2qke6va4

outspoken

29/04/2016, 12:01 AM

Good to see Waterford forming links with local junior clubs and leagues but this is something every LOI club should be doing already. I really hope Waterford pull through, fantastic stadium and great history but my only concern would be how many times can a club that has had little success in recent years keep going back to the supporters and locals for a handout?

sulywaterfordfc

29/04/2016, 12:39 AM

Positive meeting was held last night. Limerick chairman was in attendance and even spoke for a bit too. Fans, players, coaches, junior league/schoolboy league reps, and councillors turned out even two TD's phoned the General Manager of WUFC both of whom were unable to be there because of the debate in the Dail. Over 100 attended according to the club. Some very good ideas were put forward. A co-op/trust looking like it will be the way forward from next year the club are already researching and exploring that avenue. The new revamped BSC covers the first team buses each week which I'm sure is a great help to the club. There is a fundraiser in the pipeline which has been offered to the club. I'm not worried at the moment I think we'll be alright but we gotta just wait and see.

Some people are saying "same aul Waterford nothing changes" "Same thing different year" etc. But what people fail to realize is over the last 10 years when John was there and when we'd a spot of bother he was always there to keep us going. And now that he is no longer at the club theres nobody there to fill in the holes. The club is going through a transition period and a period of change and people need to realise that.

sulywaterfordfc

29/04/2016, 4:34 PM

Great gesture from Bohemians https://twitter.com/bfcdublin/status/726054837549408257

nigel-harps1954

29/04/2016, 4:58 PM

Are they going to make a few signings out of this money same as last time?

sulywaterfordfc

29/04/2016, 5:10 PM

Limerick are now also doing one great to see https://twitter.com/LFCBlueArmy/status/726084510945824769

Nesta99

29/04/2016, 5:14 PM

It may be a decent gesture by Bohs but it is an embarrassment for senior domestic football in this country to have to resort to bucket collections by other clubs. It will surely have the naysayers in full voice! (even moreso than a club manager challenging an association's CEO to a boxing match).

sulywaterfordfc

29/04/2016, 8:06 PM

The sad reality of it is the LOI as a whole is a shambles. Isn't the first time a bucket collection has been done to help a club and it probably won't be the last time either.

White Horse

29/04/2016, 10:08 PM

No sign of the collection buckets at the away end in Dalymount.

Hopefully Dundalk can organise something for the next home game.

Lim till i die

30/04/2016, 9:27 AM

35/1 to win tonight.

Club a couple of grand together and you're sorted. :good:

thomas72

30/04/2016, 7:44 PM

�1,014 raised by Limerick fans at the markets field tonight for Waterford united.
Every bit helps

Martinho II

01/05/2016, 6:11 PM

€1,014 raised by Limerick fans at the markets field tonight for Waterford united.
Every bit helps

any word on when our cup match will be played in RSC? If its on a Friday will definitely pop down ! hopin the blues go thro as I always love the southeast!

outspoken

01/05/2016, 7:11 PM

any word on when our cup match will be played in RSC? If its on a Friday will definitely pop down ! hopin the blues go thro as I always love the southeast!

I hope you mean pull through and not go through as in beat us Marty

Martinho II

02/05/2016, 6:51 PM

I hope you mean pull through and not go through as in beat us Marty

sorry never proofread it at all! correct! I would like to see them continue in league of ireland football.

sulywaterfordfc

05/05/2016, 4:07 PM

Over the last few days there has been donations been rejected on the go fund me page unfortunately. Things seem to be back up and running now again. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1014948551913843&id=121447187930655

Another show of support to the club has been announced this afternoon. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1015046291904069&substory_index=0&id=121447187930655

I am heading to a fundraising meeting this evening myself a long with others. It'll be interesting to see what comes of it. There's definitely one fundraiser on the table that I know of.

oldyouth

05/05/2016, 7:09 PM

blue til i die

05/05/2016, 11:15 PM

My donation from last week is still showing in my pending transactions

Judging by this post today, there was a problem with the website that has been fixed: https://www.facebook.com/waterfordunitedofficial/posts/1014948551913843

blue til i die

05/05/2016, 11:19 PM

Are they going to make a few signings out of this money same as last time?

Roddy - as only Roddy would - was in the local newspapers basically saying he was hoping to get resources to bring in players. He's living in cuckoo land.

sulywaterfordfc

05/05/2016, 11:32 PM

Players will only be brought in if players leave the club.

sulywaterfordfc

05/05/2016, 11:34 PM

A white collar boxing event fundraiser has been announced. More details to be announced in due course.

Nesta99

06/05/2016, 10:32 AM

Players will only be brought in if players leave the club.

How? Unless players signed as amateurs to replace those leaving who were on a wage and then reduce costs.

Hitman

06/05/2016, 1:07 PM

How? Unless players signed as amateurs to replace those leaving who were on a wage and then reduce costs.

29/7/2013 "WATERFORD UNITED SUPPORTERS have saved the club from closure in the High Court today after a deal was made with former manager Stephen Henderson to prevent the club from being wound up." (http://www.the42.ie/waterford-united-saved-1013682-Jul2013/)

31/7/2013 "Waterford United are delighted to announce the signing of Danny Furlong on loan from Cork City until the end of the season." (http://extratime.ie/newsdesk/articles/10759/furlong-loaned-out-to-waterford-united/)

Now I know I'm probably being unfair and I certainly have sympathy for a club being in peril, but it was pretty galling having made a (fairly insignificant) donation to the appeal 3 years ago for the chairman (I think) to come out a couple of days later pretty much shrugging his shoulders and saying they still intended spending on players. I'm open to correction in the likely event I'm remembering that incorrectly.

Nesta99

06/05/2016, 1:18 PM

Paid players are a luxury that cannot really be afforded currently at Waterford no matter how little they are on. I'd be reluctant to contribute to bucket collections etc if I thought that players would be signed and paid when the club's future is financially in doubt overall and continued to be put at risk. For this reason I feel it is foolish if such a policy is in mind and make it public before fundraiser money is in hand.

oldyouth

06/05/2016, 6:48 PM

My donation from last week is still showing in my pending transactions

This donation is still in my pending transactions. I'm going to try and stop it now on account of this rubbish from Roddy. Will you ever learn?

NeverFeltBetter

06/05/2016, 11:38 PM

Collins was surely just running his mouth, like he is prone to do? If the club turned around and started signing players in the next while, on anything other than amateur contracts, I'd be appalled.

NeverFeltBetter

06/05/2016, 11:41 PM

Only 268 at RSC tonight as well. Very poor response from locals to club in trouble.

Paddyfield

07/05/2016, 10:32 AM

That's a terrible crowd. Is this a protest against the current management or just simple disillusionment?

Anytime Sligo Rovers appeal to the local community to avert a crisis, the locals get on board and save the club.

I hope it's not too late.

White Horse

07/05/2016, 10:56 AM

Not sure the point of fans of other teams contributing to save Waterford United if only 268 locals bother their arses going to see them play.

trevy

07/05/2016, 11:49 AM

It's simple disillusionment I'd say as we've won very few home games for last 2 and a bit seasons and after 9 years in first division the crowds are down to the hardcore few hundred. Also ticket prices were put up to 15 euro from 10 euro before season started and there's been no improvement in results(up to last night anyway) to justify this. Hopefully some more will turn up for next home game after last nights win. I can't argue with your point White Horse. It's up to Waterford public to get behind the club if they want to keep it going.

Nesta99

07/05/2016, 1:06 PM

Its probably not fair to compare 2 clubs but Dundalk's 7 years in the 1st Division and crowds stayed around the 1000 mark. Even under McCaffrey many took a hit to try and see the club through by still going to games and supporting fundraising. It must be soul destroying and damaging for fundraising when even after an do or die appeal yields 268 fans in the gate. As WH says what is the point of other clubs' supporter digging deep when Waterford itself is so indifferent. Sad all round to see such a demise!

NeverFeltBetter

07/05/2016, 1:43 PM

I don't see how Waterford can continue for much longer with that much debt and so little income.

sulywaterfordfc

07/05/2016, 7:22 PM

Only 268 at RSC tonight as well. Very poor response from locals to club in trouble.

There was more despite that been the official number, nothing to be proud of though - turnstiles were closed come kick off. Myself and a number of others had to go in the gateway for vehicles manned by a steward and others also told me they'd to do the same.

Not sure the point of fans of other teams contributing to save Waterford United if only 268 locals bother their arses going to see them play.

The poor performances at home in recent years, lack of wins and recent form as well as ticket prices for working adults been risen to €15 from €10 are mainly the factors for the low attendance.

People seem to forget we'd over 700 for a league game this season. Which was one of our highest attendance in years.

I don't see how Waterford can continue for much longer with that much debt and so little income.

What 'debt' are you referring to? The club doesn't owe anybody the €80k. The €80k is the expected expenses the club will have for all three teams for the remainder of the year. Based on the current expenses

That's the important thing this isn't just about the senior team its also about the U17/19's whom are equally as important as the first team.

Jofspring

07/05/2016, 7:30 PM

Amazing to see prices put up like that. We kept prices the same at €12 Terrace, €15 Stand but it was justified as the club said we were signing a premier quality squad so would charge premier prices for entry which I think was fair enough. If we cut our cloth and reduced the quality of the squad I would be expecting a reflection in the ticket costs.

Waterford at the moment is basically Limerick for the 19 years we were in the First Division. Ever year poor results, poor attendances, nearing going out of existence.

sulywaterfordfc

07/05/2016, 7:37 PM

John O Shea also spoke about the clubs problems in todays Star and that he's been in contact with the club and that he'll help the club provided they show him the proper structures are in place to move the club forward.

Club officials also had a meeting with Cork on Wednesday night.

sulywaterfordfc

07/05/2016, 9:31 PM

I had a look on soccerway at our home games over the past couple years - Before anyone says anything yes I'm usually out on a Saturday, reason why I find myself looking up pointless information. (Be advised that information could be wrong may not be 100%)

For the 2014/5/6 seasons we've had 33 league games to date - 7 Wins, 6 Draws, 20 Losses. Scored 35, Conceded 58. We've taken 27 from an available 99 points. Comparing it with the 2012/3 seasons we'd lost 6 from 28 home league games taking 51 points from a possible 84.

In that period we haven't had one FAI Cup match home match with the last coming in June 3rd 2011 - 2-0 loss to Sligo, before that our last FAI Cup home loss came against Pats in a 1-0 defeat on the 9th June 2005 (Played 9 home ties in that time). Our last FAI Cup home win came in June 3rd 2011 in a 3-0 win over New Ross Celtic.

For the 2014/5/6 seasons we've had 3 home ties in the league cup winning 2 losing 1, while scoring 6 and conceding 3 coincidently all against Cork based sides.

On that viewing it isn't much of a surprise the attendances are low. At the same time if we get a run of wins together then you'd imagine they'll begin to increase once again. ATM people are just sick of going out to watch get beat and perform poorly every fortnight and I can't blame them. Especially when we've conceded 7,5,4 in one match this year and two of which came at home.

Although its the first time in years we've had a competitive side and have shown our capability and potential but not often enough. Big performances and consistency is needed big time.

outspoken

07/05/2016, 10:27 PM

Collins comments about signing players were probably the last thing he should have said

sulywaterfordfc

12/05/2016, 1:12 PM

Former Irish international backs the Blues. Shall be interesting what comes of this.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1018563184885713&substory_index=0&id=121447187930655

sulywaterfordfc

12/05/2016, 11:58 PM

A fundraiser been announced by the Blues earlier tonight.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1019928438082521&substory_index=0&id=121447187930655

sulywaterfordfc

10/06/2016, 2:00 PM

FAI have appointed an independent consultant to the club to oversee the ongoing situation at the club.

Nesta99

10/06/2016, 6:01 PM

FAI have appointed an independent consultant to the club to oversee the ongoing situation at the club.

What is he going to say - you have no money and growing debts!
Thats is true!
But you are going to sign players in July?
Yup!
Can you do something like Wexford Youths?
Nah! sure isnt the chief JD a Waterford man!

What is he going to oversee and say? You need more money, develop links with the community, increase advertising revenue and sponsorship...............

Longfordian

10/06/2016, 9:46 PM

What is he going to say - you have no money and growing debts!
Thats is true!
But you are going to sign players in July?
Yup!
Can you do something like Wexford Youths?
Nah! sure isnt the chief JD a Waterford man!

What is he going to oversee and say? You need more money, develop links with the community, increase advertising revenue and sponsorship...............

"The club would benefit from a manager with strong football and business connections in the UK. If a consortium of UK investors were to take over the club could once again be a force in the league of Ireland"

Nesta99

11/06/2016, 12:25 AM

disgruntled

12/06/2016, 10:47 AM

"The club would benefit from a manager with strong football and business connections in the UK. If a consortium of UK investors were to take over the club could once again be a force in the league of Ireland"

We've all seen how that hasn't worked over the years.
The truth is Waterford won't get anywhere until the people of Waterford come out & support the club.
The fans of Waterford are going to have to do it themselves. No one is going to do it for them.
The days of white knights & sugar daddies are gone thankfully.