Waterford United - Press Release

LEAGUE CUP QUARTER FINAL GOES AHEAD AGAINST DERRY CITY”
Waterford United’s fixture against Derry City next Sunday, January 27th has been confirmed by League officials, given that cup games always take precedence over league fixtures. Consequently, the cancelled fixture tonight between Derry City and St. Patrick’ s, which had been tentatively rearranged for Sunday, has been deferred to another date. “The Blues” league match against Finn Harps will however be subject to a pitch inspection at eight thirty on Saturday morning, even though the pitch in Ballybofey is currently considered playable. Regardless, Waterford United plan to travel north tomorrow and should the fixture be called off they will prepare for their afternoon kick off in the Brandywell on Sunday against Derry City. Late this evening, Noel Hunt, returned to "The Blues" where he will remain for the rest of the season despite his midweek game for Shamrock Rovers against Longford Town in the League Cup. He will therefore be available for the vital league game at against Finn Harps tomorrow night, should the fixture go ahead.


“The Blues” also signed twenty two year old Tony Smith today from Belfast whose international clearance came through this afternoon to the Football Association of Ireland. In trying to cover for the potential long term departure of Noel Hunt, Waterford United acted quickly to find cover in order to avoid weakening their attack, following the recent arrival of Andy Myler and Kelvin Flanagan

“Having seen Tony on trial at Tampa Bay Mutiny last summer” said Waterford Manager, Jimmy McGoeugh “We moved quickly in case Noel Hunt was leaving us for good. Given that we also could not reach agreement with Cork City this week for Colin O’Brien I put in a call to Tony Smith yesterday”

Although Cork City winger, Colin O’Brien, is available for the Finn Harps game his loan period ends at midnight on January 26th and with the two clubs unable to reach agreement to extend his stay until the end of the season, he will be returning to Cork next week.

“The news from Rovers this evening about Noel Hunt has been a great bonus” said WUFC Chairman, Ger O’Brien, “The ruling last Wednesday suggested he would not be able to come back to us following his recall for their League cup match on Wednesday. Thankfully, things became clearer this afternoon and he will be travelling with us tomorrow morning”.