Waterford FC have turned to Matt Lawlor on an interim basis for the second time this campaign as they bid to save their season and avoid the dreaded drop to the League of Ireland First Division.

Manager John Coleman and his assistant Danny Ventre departed the club today following Friday night’s 2-1 loss away to Shelbourne at Tolka Park – the duo achieved too few wins in their short tenure at the RSC.

Winless since July 25th, the Blues now languish in ninth position in the Premier Division standings meaning they will face a playoff against the winner of the First Division playoff winners as things stand.

Lawlor’s return has been confirmed by the club in a statement this evening. In May, he presided over four straight victories in an interim spell – defeating Derry City 2-1 at home, Bohemians 2-1 away, champions Shelbourne 1-0 away and Galway United 1-0 at home.

“Waterford FC can confirm Matt Lawlor has returned to the club as our Interim Head Coach for the remainder of our 2025 League of Ireland campaign.”

“Lawlor spent seven months with the Blues as our Assistant Head Coach in 2024, before re-joining the Blues in April of this year on an interim basis, as he guided the Blues to memorable wins against Bohemians & Shelbourne away from home, along with a 2-1 home win against Derry City.”

“Matt will lead the Blues for the final month of the 2025 League of Ireland season, starting off with our clash at home to Drogheda United FC this coming Friday at the RSC.”

The club have tasted victory just three times in the league since Lawlor went back to England and Coleman arrived.

The Blues have four games left to stop the rot – they host Drogheda United on Friday night, Derry City two weeks later and they then face an away trip to St. Patrick’s Athletic before a huge home game against Galway United which could prove make or break.