Waterford FC have announced the signing of 62 year old John Coleman as new manager. Coleman brings a wealth of experience to The Blues, having been a manager since 1999. He will make his first appearance as manager against Galway United on May 9th, With Matt Lawlor remaining as interim manager for Mondays bank holiday clash against Shelbourne.
Managerial Experience
Coleman has managed many clubs in his past, beginning in 1997 at Ashton United, then at Accrington Stanley, leading them from 1999 until 2012, After departing Accrington, he managed 3 clubs between 2012-2014, with those being Rochdale, Southport and Sligo Rovers. John then returned to Accrington from 2014 until 2024, where he moved onto Gillingham most recently.
In a statement, Jamie Pilley said
“We are delighted to be able to attract someone of John’s experience and standing in football to The RSC.
“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.”
After putting pen to paper, John was raring to get going,
“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.
“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 to build on the great work that has been done here in recent years.”
The Blues were originally rumored to be in talks with former Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins, but he took the Coleraine job, Ireland underage manager Stephen Rice was also rumored.
I personally think this is quite an interesting signing, Let me know your thoughts!