Waterford FC manager Franny Rockett said two Waterford footballing legends will be in their minds when they play Derry City this weekend.
Former trainer and physio Paddy 'Stinger' Ryan and Michael Hayes who was a long-time League of Ireland administrator both died this week.
‘Stinger’ Ryan, who was 78, was the trainer of Waterford United under both Alfie Hale and Paul Power, Franny said he knew him well:
"What a legend, when I first came to Waterford the bones of 19/20 years ago, Paul Power brought me in as a 13 year old lucky enough to train with the first team at that stage, that's when I first came across Stinger, (I remember) the legendary runs down the sandhills.. and my condolences to Paul Power too because I know how much he loved him."
He says they will be thinking of both men when they make the trip to Derry on Friday.
Michael Hayes, who was 62, and originally from St John's Park, died suddenly on Sunday.
"It's going to act as an inspiration along with Michael Hayes passing as well, we want to keep them in our minds on Friday night. I think Waterford people are very proud of those too you can see it the eulogies paid by everyone over the past few days as well.
"It's a sad day but I've only fond members of Stinger personally, and my condolences on behalf of all the players and the club here".
Paddy's funeral mass will take place in St Paul's Church in Lisduggan on Thursday. While Michael will also be laid to rest after his funeral mass on Thursday in the Sacred Heart church, The Folly.
Both funerals can be accessed through the death notices section of the WLR website: www.wlrfm.com/deaths
