Waterford FC have announced the signing of goalkeeper Arlo Doherty ahead of the 2026 League of Ireland season.
The 22 year-old shot stopper makes the move to the RSC from Derry City, where he spent the last twelve-months with Tiernan Lynch’s side alongside Hayden Cann – who was announced earlier this week.
Doherty came up through the ranks of the English Academy system with spells at Norwich & Manchester City, before spending over five years at the Leicester City academy prior to making the move to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium last December.
With family roots in Limerick & Donegal, Arlo earned international recognition at U19 level with the Republic of Ireland in 2021, making his debut in an international friendly against Sweden in October of 2021 for Tom Mohan’s side, before receiving two competitive caps as the Republic of Ireland defeated Bulgaria & drew with Bosnia in their UEFA European Championship U19 Qualifiers.
“I’m delighted to be with the Blues,” he commented. “I’m a big fan of how the club operates and listening to Jon’s plans & ideas it would be a no brainer not to be part of it.
Brian Murphy has got a brilliant goalkeeping department here and I’m sure we will push each other every minute we are on the pitch. Looking forward to seeing all the fans soon.”
Blues Head Coach Jon Daly is delighted to have Arlo at the club for the coming season, mentioning:
“Arlo is an outstanding young goalkeeper with massive potential. Like our other signings so far, Arlo has shown a real hunger and desire to sign for Waterford FC. Arlo will bring a big presence, athleticism and a real competition for places to the goalkeeping department.
Brian Murphy has done fantastic work in the background to help get this one over the line and I’ve no doubts Arlo will reach his full potential under the guidance of one of the country’s top goalkeeper coaches.”
Meanwhile, the club has confirmed that midfielder Matty Smith has left the club after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.
Smith, who spent the majority of last season on the treatment table, made just five appearances at the end of the campaign but was widely expected to play a crucial role in next season’s campaign.
