Waterford sign First Division goalkeeper of the year Niall Corbet from UCD

Waterford have bolstered their ranks ahead of the 2018 season with the signing of First Division goalkeeper of the year Niall Corbet from UCD on a one-year deal.

 

The 23-year-old Laois native joins the Blues following a six-year stint at the UCD Bowl where he represented the Students across multiple levels from the under-19s right up to the senior side.

 

He played for UCD in both the Premier and First Divisions, and played in all four of the Students' Europa League qualifying round games in 2015, including the two-legged victory over F91 Dudelange.

 

Looking back on his time at the UCD Bowl, Corbet has said that he will always have fond memories of playing for the Sky Blues and is grateful for all the help he received in his six years at Belfield.

 

“I had a great six years at UCD. The club did a lot for me during that time and I will always have fond memories of playing with UCD at every level from U19, Leinster Senior League, Premier Division and First Division.

 



“UCD gave me the opportunity to play at the top level and trusted me with their number 1 jersey. I owe them a lot for my development as a goalkeeper during my time at the club.”

 

However, Corbet has decided to move onto pastures new and the PFAI First Division goalkeeper of the year is relishing the prospect of playing at a higher grade than he has done in previous years.

 

“I am delighted to sign for Waterford and I look forward to the challenge of full time football in 2018. Playing against the club four times last year you could clearly see something big was happening.”

 



Corbet has also spoken on how the professionalism of the management structure at the club has attracted him to the RSC.

 

“I spoke with several players at the club and they spoke very highly of the management team and structure in place, the levels of professionalism on display at the club was a big attraction to me.”

 

Corbet is excited by the opportunity of playing for the Blues after looking in from the outside last season with UCD.

 

“Waterford were very strong last season. They attracted some top players and you could see that in the way they played exciting football. They had a huge following which made it such an enjoyable game experience each time I played at the RSC.”

 

The Laois man is well aware of the challenge that he faces in trying to wrestle the number one jersey off of Matt Connor who was the Blues net-minder in last seasons title-winning triumph in the South-East.

 

“I have a big challenge ahead with Matt (Connor) who is obviously a top keeper, so having a weekly battle with him will hopefully push us both on and help our development as well as benefiting the team overall.

 

“We will be facing strong opposition every week so that competition has to drive both us to perform on the pitch.”

 

Corbet’s signature brings head coach Alan Reynold’s squad up to 14 with several high-profile acquisitions, such as Ishmahil Akinade and Bastien Hery, all joining up already for the Blues return to the Premier Division.