Waterford move to quell rumours

**A face** · 17/01/2006, 3:02 PM

Waterford move to quell rumours

eircom League Premier Division club Waterford United have released a statement in an attempt to end speculation of a growing crisis at the Suirside outfit ahead of the new season.

The club appointed Mike Kerley as new manager before Christmas, but a host of players have opted to move on in the close-season. The exodus has included former skipper Dave Mulcahy (who joins another ex-Waterford captain, John Frost, at St Patrick�s Athletic), Kevin Doherty and David Breen.

Read more at www.eleven-a-side.com

**Risteard** · 17/01/2006, 4:06 PM

The Statement.
“Waterford United would like to clarify its current situation regarding the planning for the new season and reiterate the club’s commitment to the process of supporting manager Mike Kerley’s preparations for the new season which is due to kick off on March 10th next.

“Over the past number of days there has been a lot of rumour regarding the signing of players and club would like to confirm that it has agreed deals and secured the signatures of Stephen Grant, John Hayes, Kenny Browne and Paul McCarthy as well as Neil Andrews who was under contract to the club already.

“The management committee is completely satisfied with the progress being made by manager Mike Kerley on the player front and negotiations are continuing with a number of players. Discussions were held with a number of former players and it now seems unlikely that these players will sign for Waterford United for the coming season.

“The club would like to emphasise that all players were offered new deals that were the same as, and in a lot of cases better than, last year. Despite intensive negotiations they have decided that they do not want to play for Waterford United. The club thanks them for their efforts and wishes them well in their future footballing endeavours.

“Waterford United is confident that before the closing of the transfer window on February 22, the club will have a strong squad that is capable of competing effectively in the eircom league premier division in the coming season.

“Off the field, the club has been continuing to prepare for the new season and a number of significant developments have occurred. The club has moved offices and is now located at 135 Barrack Street, Waterford. This is an important move for the club as it provides office space and also ground floor retail space for the development of merchandise sales.

“The FAI/UEFA licence process was completed in December and the club is in advanced negotiations with a new shirt sponsor. A new season ticket scheme will be announced in the near future and the final details are being worked out for the series of pre season friendlies.”

Kerley’s first pre-season training programme at the RSC begins later this week, while a number of players will join on trial in a bid to earn contracts for the new season."

I thought the bla fans said all the players had been offered worse deals than last year.

**noby** · 18/01/2006, 8:03 AM

Please don't equate 'the bishop' with all blaa fans.

**razor** · 18/01/2006, 11:50 AM

Waterford have also signed Ian Fraher from Avondale Utd

**Risteard** · 18/01/2006, 1:15 PM

Good signing.
Though yer man Spratt is meant to be better than him.
Lots of decent players around the MSL.

**Poor Student** · 18/01/2006, 3:28 PM

Things have been pretty quiet but are Waterford going to be as awful next season as I imagine? They've lost all their top players and are replacing them with MSL players? Not saying there's no gems there but surely it's not going to be pretty. Are you still in cash flow crisis?

**noby** · 18/01/2006, 3:41 PM

We're always in cash-flow crisis.

**Poor Student** · 18/01/2006, 3:44 PM

Originally Posted by noby

We're always in cash-flow crisis.

You know what I mean. Has your team just quietly crumbled without anyone really noticing or are you bringing in sufficient talent?

**noby** · 18/01/2006, 3:59 PM

Every player from last season's squad who the new manager wanted to keep (afaik, most bar the dublin based ones) was offered a new contract. Some have chosen to mave to another club, some have re-signed, and most are undecided as of yet.
Mulcahy leaving was a blow, but almost to be expected. Same with Purcell.

Bearing in mind this group of players couldn't win a match for five months last season, some junior league players mightn't be a total disaster.

The management committee set out the budget for the year, including new contracts. For every player that doesn't sign, money is freed up to sign others, so I guess this is where Kerley starts earning his money.

p.s. aswell as MSL players MLS players have been rumoured too.