Waterford FC delivered a well fought victory for John Sheridan in his last game as manager at Dalymount Park on Friday evening.
Sheridan was the subject of much interest on the full-time whistle as it was confirmed he was leaving the Blues after just 65 days in charge to join Wigan Athletic.
Speaking to Matt Keane John praised the team and revealed he was sad to be leaving the club.
"The lads were brilliant tonight and I am delighted for them all. Ali Coote and Tyreke Wilson were outstanding especially in the first half. Bohemians are a very good team and that's why they are second in the league table. Things happen quickly in football and it's an opportunity I can't miss out on going to a big club like Wigan Athletic. It's a shame but at times who have to make decisions in life and I'm in the good position that someone is offering me a job. Hopefully this result will push on for Waterford and I will be back to celebrate with the players when the time is right. I have no idea who will replace me but what I will say is that Franny (Rockett) and the rest of the staff at the club have been one hundred per cent behind me since I came to the club. I want to thank everyone involved because they have been brilliant to me, especially the players. The performance tonight was magnificent. I want them to believe that they are more than capable with the best teams in this league.''
The departing manager was clearly emotional and he went on to expand on his reason for leaving the Waterford club after such a short period of time. ``It's an opportunity I can't turn down. I'm very grateful a club like Wigan have come in and offered me the job. I am going to Wigan in difficult circumstances as they are in administration but it was something I couldn't really turn down''.
"Loved my time in Waterford"
The 55-year old former Irish international said the move makes sense for him with his family based in the region. "Leeds-Manchester way so all in around the area. Obviously for me travel-wise and commuting-wise that's ideal. I am going to Wigan hopefully to try and and do well there and try and lift the spirits of the players. It's difficult, very difficult and whether I am the right man remains to be seen but I will give it one hundred per cent to try and turn things around. I am leaving Waterford with a heavy heart. As I have already said I will be back to see the Waterford players to wish them well when the time is right. I have loved my time in Waterford and I am grateful to everyone at the club for giving me the chance to manage in the League of Ireland. I never said it was a pub league. What I said was the players sometimes make decisions like they are playing in a pub league. I would never disrespect the league. I wouldn't have come in the first place if I felt that. I wish Waterford all the luck in the world and they will always have a special place in my heart''
After the match, the team thanked Sheridan for his service, wishing him all the best in his new role with Wigan Athletic.
