Waterford FC defender Kacper Radkowski says he is relishing the chance to help the Blues fight for Premier Division survival after returning from injury, while interim manager Matt Lawlor insists his side must be ruthless in the big moments if they are to avoid the relegation playoffs.
Radkowski, who has endured a long spell on the sidelines, admits it has been a difficult period but believes he is ready to make a difference.
“It’s been a long time, you know,” said the Polish centre-back. “It’s a tough time always when you’re injured, especially when it’s a long break, but I was trying to do everything as best as I can, to be back fit, feeling good, to help the team. There I am, I’m feeling good.”
The Blues’ change in the dugout last week, with John Coleman’s departure and Lawlor stepping in, has brought some fresh energy according to Radkowski.
“Every manager’s got a bit different theory of the game. Maybe it was a little bit different, but not that much. I think players need to adapt quickly because, obviously, a new manager coming in, but it’s not a huge difference. Matt is a great lad, he’s got that energy, he’s always trying to push the players as best as he can, and hopefully we can just prove that tomorrow.”
With four games remaining, Radkowski knows the situation at Waterford FC is potentially desperate, but insists belief remains strong in the squad.
“It’s always a little bit different when you’re not winning the games, when you’re losing it. Obviously, the manager can change, but it is what it is. We need to be focused on ourselves. We need to improve as a team, no matter who is the manager. We need to bring that energy into the pitch and just win the games. We need the points, so we need to get that, and hopefully we’ll start from Drogheda.”
For Lawlor, who has stepped into the hot seat at the most precarious of times, the message is simple: his players must master the key moments on the pitch.
2 May 2025; Waterford interim head coach Matt Lawlor celebrates with Tommy Lonergan after their side’s victory in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Bohemians and Waterford at Dalymount Park in Dublin. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
“Moments have to be looked after. They have to matter the world to you in that moment,” he said. “I’ve spoke all week about it with the players that you’re supposed to be good at what you’re supposed to be good at. A centre-back has got to be good at defending, a full-back has got to be good at defending. The bonuses on top of that, they’re good on the ball, they can move, whatever – but you have to be good at what you’re supposed to be good at.”
He highlighted Drogheda United’s strength in managing tight games and stressed the importance of Waterford finding the same edge.
“Football is about moments. We can do all the different things between the boxes, but it’s about both boxes and what you do – keeping the ball out and scoring more than the other team. My theory on football is obviously a bit more complicated than that, but I’ve got to simplify it to the players. It’s about winning moments, because if you don’t win the moments at the right time, then obviously you’ll concede goals, and if you don’t score the moments at the right time, then you’re not scoring any goals.”
Despite Waterford FC occupying a perilous league position, Lawlor insists performances in recent weeks give cause for optimism.
“For me, there’s been positives, even in tough times. The performances against Rovers and Bohemians were good, but it’s just the final little bit, I suppose,” he reflected.
Waterford head into tonight’s clash knowing that only points – not plaudits – will keep them afloat.
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