Waterford sign French midfielder Hery and striker Akinade for Premier return

Waterford have made a huge statement of intent with the signings of Limerick midfielder Bastien Hery from Limerick and Bohemians striker Ishmahil Akinade.

 

The duo are Alan Reynolds' first new signings of the off-season having already secured ten of last season's First Division-winning squad for the new campaign.

 

Frenchman Hery has made the switch from Shannonside to Suirside After impressing while securing Limerick's Premier Division status during the 2017 campaign.

 

“I am very pleased to have signed for Waterford, a club with plenty of history and success in the past; a club that is on the up again now,” the former PSG academy player said.

 

“I met with Director of Football Pat Fenlon and visited the city and the facilities available to the club and I was really impressed with what I saw.

 



“For my family and me, to sign with Waterford was the best option.”

 

Having made 28 appearances for the Blue of Limerick in the 2017 season, Hery said that he hopes to push on himself and in turn, help his new Blues to the promised land of European football.

 

“First and foremost, my ambition is to play football and give my best for the team and the club. I came to Ireland to push on and play European football so ultimately that is my hope by the end of this season, to push Waterford FC onto the next level.”

 



“Playing and enjoying my football is the best thing in life to be honest.”

 

Former St Patrick's Athletic and Bray Wanderers striker Akinade joins following a two-year spell with Bohemians, though he missed a large part of last season after having his spleen removed.

 

Speaking on his move to Waterford, Akinade has spoken of the lure of full-time football as a pivotal factor in his decision to make the move from the capital to the south-east of the country.

 

He said: “I signed for Waterford because I see that the club is going places and it has high ambitions. The move to full time football was a big factor also in my decision to make the move.”

 

Akinade, while looking back fondly at his time at Dalymount Park, is hoping to create a similar bond at the RSC as he did with his former club.

 

“I enjoyed every second at Bohs. It was hard for me to leave as I felt like I developed a strong bond with the fans over the past three years and the staff and players were great.

 

“It was like a family there and hopefully at Waterford, I can make that same connection in the dressing room and with the supporters.

 

“My hope for next season is to start strongly and see where we end up. It is going to be a difficult season as it is down to a ten-team league, so every point will be important, whether at the top of the table or at the bottom.”

 

Reynolds added: “We are delighted to be able to attract players of the quality of Bastien and Izzy to Waterford FC.

 

“Off the field we are working hard to put together a competitive squad for 2018 and we are certain that both these players will be great additions.”

 

“Bastien emerged in 2017 as a top talent at Limerick. We watched him closely in a number of games towards the end of the campaign for Limerick.

 

“He was pivotal in the middle of the park to their good form late on, ultimately helping them steer clear of the bottom three to an impressive 7th placed finish.

 

“With Sean Maguire now gone from League of Ireland football, Ismahil is arguably the top striking talent in the country and we are delighted to have him on board for 2018.

 

“He has shown a great willingness to work hard on and off the field to develop his game and character and we are very impressed with the player we have managed to sign.

 

“Both these signings signal our intent in 2018, not only to survive in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, but also to kick on and challenge in the top half of the table.”