2020 Season Preview: Waterford

Manager: Alan Reynolds.

Stadium: RSC.

Players in: Sam Bone (Shamrock Rovers), Scott Allardice (Bohemians), Graham Cummins (Cork City), Tadgh Ryan (Cork City), Kevin O'Connor (Preston North End - Loan), Michael O'Connor (Linfield - Loan), Robbie McCourt (Tolka Rovers), Ali Cootes (Brentford B), Matty Smith (Dundee United), Tyreke Wilson (Manchester City).

Players out: Rory Feely (St Patrick’s Athletic), Shane Duggan (Galway United), JJ Lunney (Bohemians), Zack Elbouzedi (Lincoln City), Dean O’Halloran (Galway United), Cory Galvin (Cork City), Georgie Poynton (Shelbourne), Rob Slevin (Cork City), Colm Whelan (UCD), Kenny Browne (Retired), Maxim Kouguon (Harrogate Town), Walter Figueira (Derry City), Matt Connor (unattached)

Extratime.ie Key Man: Scott Allardice

Perhaps a surprise departure from Bohemians at the end of the 2019 campaign, Waterford moved to secure the signing of Scott Allardice during the transfer window.

Scottish Allardice made 18 league appearances for the Gypsies last term, after leaving Dundee United in 2019.

The 21-year-old Dundee native will certainly get his chance to impress this term after the departure of Shane Duggan, and he will certainly be looking to make the most of that opening.  

Extratime.ie One to Watch: Tadgh Ryan

After joining Cork City from First Division Galway United, Tadgh Ryan looked to be the heir in waiting as Cork’s new number one choice between the sticks.

However, after featuring towards the tail-end of the season with the Leesiders, Ryan was released by new boss Neale Fenn.

Shortly after, Waterford came calling to snap up the former Huddersfield Town shot-stopper, a potentially major signing for the Blues.

Ryan has the potential to push on in 2020, and if he is granted the opportunity this term – he can easily make himself a household name amongst League of Ireland circles.  

How they did last season:

League:

After blazing a trail in 2018 after their promotion from the First Division in 2017, Waterford endured a yea of struggle in 2019 – but they still comfortably retained their place in the top-flight.

The Blues won on 12 occasions, losing 17 and drawing 12 games on their way to a 42 point total – and they will be pleased with their rousing end to the year in the South-East.

Alan Reynolds’ side were only defeated twice in their last eight games as they won five games to round off their season in style.  

FAI Cup:

Waterford bowed out of the FAI Cup at the quarter finals stage at the expense of eventual runners up Dundalk.

The Lilywhites earned a 3-1 win at the RSC, as a Daniel Kelly hat-trick saw the Blues crash out of the tournament.

In earlier rounds, Reynolds’ charges saw off Maynooth University Town (0-2) and Glengad United (0-2) to set up their ultimately unsuccessful date with the Louth side in the last eight.  

EA Sports Cup:

There was heart-break or Waterford in the final four of the EA Sports Cup in 2019 as they were defeated by eventual finalists Derry City.

The Candystripes saw off the Blues by four goals to two after extra-time – as David Parkhouse put the Munster side to the sword on Foyleside.

Waterford secured their semi-final spot after a quarter-final win away to Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds.

In their League Cup opener, Galway United were seen off by Waterford at the RSC as Dean Walsh and Cory Galvin both netted for the hosts.

What to expect this season:

In terms of 2020, there certainly appears to be an unknown sense of what to expect with Waterford.

There has been a string of notable player departures at the RSC, with Cory Galvin, Walter Figueira, Shane Duggan and Zack Elbouzedi all moving on to pastures new.

However, there has also been a number of impressive signings added to the ranks in Waterford, with Tyreke Wilson, Robbie McCourt and Ali Cootes all joining.

They will also be buoyed by the acquisition of Tadgh Ryan from Cork City and Scott Allardice formerly of Bohemians.

In terms of a prediction, Waterford will certainly be looking to build on 2019 in 2020. Questions will be asked if they can, but initial signs look positive.

Competing for a European position may perhaps be asking for too much off the Blues, while a flirt with the relegation battle appears more realistic.

Questions will be asked of this unknown quantity as to whether or not they can rise to the occasion – but manager Alan Reynolds will be quietly confident of his side’s potential this year.   

Title Odds: 50/1.

First game: St Patrick’s Athletic (away).