03-05-2025
Waterford appoint John Coleman as new manager after identifying ex-Sligo Rovers boss as ‘stand-out applicant'
WATERFORD have confirmed the appointment of John Coleman as their manager.
The ex-Sligo Rovers boss was most recently with Gillingham, whom he left in March after just two wins in his 12 games in charge.
But he is best known for his two stints at the helm of Accrington Stanley, between 1999 and 2012 and 2014 to 2024.
In between, he had managed Rochdale, Southport and - for three months - Sligo Rovers, overseeing a famous 2-1 win away to Rosenborg although they were knocked out of the Europa League 4-3 on aggregate.
Coleman said: '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.
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'I'm relishing the opportunity to get started to build on the great work that has been done here in recent years.'
The Blues parted company with Keith Long last month after seven straight defeats.
Matt Lawlor - who had served as his assistant last season - was brought in from their sister club Fleetwood Town as interim boss.
He oversaw two wins from three and will again be in charge against Shelbourne on Monday when Coleman will be in the stands at Tolka Park.
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The Blues also spoke to Ruaidhri Higgins and Stephen Rice but Jamie Pilley - who assumed ownership of the club following his father Andy's jailing - 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.
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'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.'
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Jamie Pilley spoke very highly of him
Credit: @WaterfordFCie
