Time passes quickly.
It was only two months ago that Waterford FC beat Cork City in the promotion/relegation final to claim their place in the League Of Ireland Premier Division for the 2024 season.
Since then, Christmas and New Year have come and gone, and now we are left with just weeks to go until the Blues are back on the pitch contending in the league. The first outing for Waterford in the Premier will be on February 16th when Shelbourne make the trip South.
Before that, however, Keith Long's side will have their first hit-out of 2024 on Friday evening in the Munster Senior Cup third round.
Douglas Hall come to the RSC for what will be Long's first chance to see some of his new signings in action.
Six new bodies will pull on Waterford jerseys in 2024 - with the hopes of more still to be announced.
As it stands, the reinforcements include Gbemi Arubi, Joseph Forde, Kacper Radkowski, Ben McCormack, Darragh Leahy and Robbie McCourt who returns to the RSC after time served with both Sligo Rovers and Dundalk.
Long has also lost some of his big hitters in the transfer window, none more so than top striker Ronan Coughlan who lined out for new club Fleetwood Town last week.
Prior to kick-off, it's tough to make an argument that this will be a fairly balanced fixture based on the two squads and the gulf in quality between them.
However, head coach Long will be focussed on the fact that his side have a competitive game to line out for as part of their pre-season preparations.
The action is underway at the RSC from 7.45 pm on Friday.
