Waterford FC has confirmed the appointment of John Coleman as their new manager.
The 62-year-old arrives with an impressive managerial experience spanning over 1,200 games, having taken the reins at English Football League clubs including Accrington Stanley, Gillingham, and Rochdale. Coleman also has prior experience in the League of Ireland from a short stint with Sligo Rovers, and now returns to Irish football at an exciting time for the domestic game.
His appointment follows an extensive two-week recruitment process that saw the club engage with a wide range of candidates from both home and abroad. In a statement on the clubs website, Waterford FC Owner Jamie Pilley spoke highly of the process and praised Coleman’s standout qualities:
“The level of candidates we spoke to was hugely impressive, with applicants from within the League of Ireland and from all around the footballing world. But after hearing what John’s got to say, and his desire to challenge himself to bring success to Waterford Football Club, he was the stand-out applicant and the obvious choice.”
Coleman expressed his enthusiasm about taking on the role and embracing the challenge ahead.
“I’m delighted to become Waterford FC manager and excited by the League of Ireland, which has a real vibrancy about it at the moment,” Coleman said. “Although it will be a big challenge, there is clearly a huge desire to be successful at this football club and to progress up this division. I’m relishing the opportunity to get started and to build on the great work that has been done here in recent years.”
He will be in attendance at Tolka Park on Monday evening as a spectator for The Blues’ clash with Shelbourne. Interim manager Matt Lawlor will remain in charge for that match before returning to Fleetwood Town in the UK.
The club extended its gratitude to Lawlor for his commitment during a transitional period following Keith Long’s resignation.
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