Waterford FC owner Jamie Pilley says last Friday’s relegation play-off victory brought “immense relief and pride” to everyone connected with the club, while promising significant change ahead of the 2026 League of Ireland Premier Division season.

After a difficult campaign, the Blues’ win secured their top-flight status and gave supporters a moment to celebrate after months of frustration. Pilley thanked fans for their loyalty, saying their backing played a crucial role in helping the club over the line.

“We are delighted to have secured our place in the Premier Division for next season, and we want to thank each and every one of you who stood with the team through a difficult campaign,” he said. “Your support mattered. It always does.”

He also paid tribute to interim manager Matt Lawlor, who once again stepped in to guide the team through a crucial period. “Matt’s professionalism, leadership and connection to the players and supporters have been outstanding,” Pilley said. “While his family commitments mean he cannot continue long-term, he will always be welcome back at the RSC.” Assistant Mark Yeates was also singled out for praise, alongside first-team staff David Breen and Brian Murphy, for their efforts behind the scenes during the toughest parts of the season.

While proud of the team’s survival, Pilley admitted the season had fallen well below expectations. “We must also be honest. This has been a poor season. It did not meet the standards we set for ourselves, or the standards that you rightly expect,” he said. “After conducting a detailed review, it is clear the issues on the pitch stemmed largely from recruitment decisions which did not deliver the right balance for the squad – mistakes were made across the board. We accept that, and we are already working to put those mistakes right.”

7 November 2025; Waterford captain Padraig Amond before the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division promotion / relegation play-off match between Bray Wanderers and Waterford at Tolka Park in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

The Waterford owner reiterated that the link with Fleetwood Town continues to bring benefits, despite external criticism at times. He pointed to the positive impact of young players such as Stevie McMullan, Sam Glenfield, Kyle White and Tommy Lonergan, and praised the progress of academy talents Ronan Mansfield, Zak O’Sullivan and Callum Costello, who have developed through the connection between the clubs. “As I write, Zak is currently away with Ireland’s U19 squad which is a fantastic achievement,” he said.

Pilley confirmed that the Fleetwood relationship will continue but said balance is key going forward. “We want to combine young, exciting players with those who have the vital League of Ireland know-how to help us achieve our goals.”

Looking ahead, he described this winter as a natural reset point. “We are currently working hard to recruit a new First Team Manager who has the experience and vision to lead the club forward,” he said. “Our focus is on building a squad capable not just of surviving in the Premier Division, but of looking upward in the seasons ahead. European football remains an ambition of ours and I firmly believe this is achievable in the future.”

Pilley added that despite on-field struggles, there is real progress off it, with the club continuing to grow its community involvement, strengthen local partnerships and invest in its academy and infrastructure. “These are vital steps in developing a stronger, more sustainable Waterford FC,” he said. “We are determined to make the future brighter than the season just passed – and we will do it together.”

The coming weeks are set to mark the start of a new era, with the unveiling of a new manager, a new club badge, a new kit, and the launch of 2026 season tickets.

“Thank you, once again, for your unwavering support – we couldn’t do it without you,” Pilley concluded.