Waterford FC will be without the services of top striker Ronan Coughlan in 2024 following his departure from the club.
The one piece of news that most fans expected, but did not want to hear was confirmed by the club on Thursday with Coughlan reaffirming his "desire to play in England."
Coughlan was central to the Blue's successful promotion campaign in 2023 as Keith Long's side beat Cork City in the promotion/relegation final to secure their place in the Premier Division next season.
Waterford FC have said, "Despite the club’s best efforts and contract offers, the striker has reiterated his desire to play in England and we wish Ronan all the best."
The Limerick native found the net 37 times this past year, breaking the First Division scoring record as well as beating the previous club scoring record in a season for a single player.
Head Coach Long said the club was "disappointed to see Ronan leave but the club did everything we could to secure Ronan for next season. He was outstanding last season, but he’s made it clear he wants to play in England again. Of course we’re sorry to see Ronan go, he was excellent last season for the club but we wish him well.”
The 27-year-old was on the books at Huddersfield as an underage player before returning to Irish shores with Bray Wanders in 2018.
Since his return home, he has plied his trade at Cork City, Sligo Rovers, St Pats and finally, the Blues.
Fleetwood Town - sister club to Waterford FC - is his most likely next staging post, but that has not been confirmed as of yet. If Coughlan does make the trip to Lancashire he would follow in the footsteps of both Junior Quitirna and Phoenix Patterson who made the switch after the 2022 season
