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Waterford United (Irish: Cumann Peile Phort Láirge Aontaithe) is an Irish football club playing in the First Division of the League of Ireland.[1] The club was founded and elected to the league in 1930[2] and hails from Waterford. Originally the club was based at Kilcohan Park greyhound stadium, but have now moved to the Waterford Regional Sports Centre. Club colours are blue and white, and the club goes by the nicknames 'The Blues' or 'United'.
[edit] History[edit] Waterford F.C. 1930-1982Waterford first participated in the league in the 1930-1931 season finishing ninth and again from 1931-1932 before dropping out of the league for two seasons. Waterford re-entered the league in the 1935-1936 season along with Sligo Rovers. Waterford FC won the Shield in their first season. Waterord won the FAI cup for the first time in their history in 1937 beating St. James Gate and also won the Shield. The club were league runners up in 1937-1938 season and again in the 1940-1941 season. Both Waterford and League winners Cork United finished on equal points but Cork were awarded the title as Waterford were unable to compete in the play-off due to a dispute regarding payment to players. Waterford won the Shield again in the 1952-1953 season and were again runners-up in the League this time to St. Patricks Athletic in the 1954-1955 season and again in the 1962-1963 season. The club eventually won the league title for the first time in the 1965-1966 season, setting a then league record of 13 straight league victories, and this was the beginning of a hugely successful spell for the club domestically. The following season they played in the preliminary round of the Champions cup against Vorwärts Berlin, an East German and Army side, losing 6-1 at Dalymount Park and 6-0 in East Berlin. They won the Shield once again in 1968 -1969 season. Waterford won the league title three times in a row, in 1968,1969 and in 1970. The title was won by Cork Hibernians in 1971 but returned to Waterford in the 1971-1972 season and again in the 1972-1973 season. The following season Waterford won the League of Ireland Cup, however failed to regain the league title. They won the FAI Cup in 1980 beating St. Patricks Athletic and this was the clubs final honour as Waterford F.C. Waterford's success in the league brought European football playing against famous clubs such as Manchester United and Celtic. Bobby Charlton had a brief spell at this club. [edit] Waterford United 1982-PresentIn 1982 the Club changed its name to Waterford United and Alfie Hale was appointed manager[citation needed]. In 1985 the league's membership rose to 22 clubs with the election of six new clubs in 1985. This resulted in the introduction of the present two Division (Premier and First) structure in 1985/86 of which Waterford was a member of the Premier Division. Waterford has had twenty four different managers since 1985, suffering relegation and promotion between both divisions Waterford were relegated to the First Division in the 1988-1989 season. Their stay there was short, gaining promotion and winning the First Division title the following season 1989-1990. They were unable to retain their Premier Division status the following season finishing in eleventh. The club was promoted to the top flight in the 1991-1992 season finishing as runners up to Limerick. But again the club were unable to remain in the Premier Division for more than a single season suffering relegation on goal difference to Drogheda United. Waterford United were promoted to the Premier Division, finishing top of the First Division in the 1997-1998 season and remained there until the 1999-2000 season suffering relegation by one point to Galway United. They were promoted to the Premier division again in the 2002-2003 season and have since remained there. In 2006 Waterford United were relegated to the First Division. The F.A.I took over the running of the League of Ireland at the end of the 2006 season. Part of this takeover involved the assessment of all League of Ireland sides and the manner in which they were being run including finances, infrastructure, future plans, marketability and previous finishing positions since the 2002 season, ( this was due to Kildare County only joining the Eircom League in 2002). Despite finishing in 11th and last place ( Dublin City being the 12th team in the league and subsequently folding during the season) the club were forced to play a relegation/promotion playoff against Dundalk. Despite being defeated Waterford United still stood a chance of remaining a Premier Division side due to the FAI assessment. However on the 8th December 2006 the FAI decided to relegate Waterford to the 1st Division with Shamrock Rovers and Galway United replacing them and now defunct Dublin City. Dundalk, despite beating Waterford in a playoff were controversially overlooked and remain in the 1st Division. However on the 20th February it was announced that Waterford United had been invited to participate in the Premier Division for the forthcoming season. Club secretary Larry Gough stated "The club considered the proposal carefully and decided to accept the invitation in the best interests of football in Waterford and the eircom league".However, The "Blues" were unfortunately relegated that season via the play-offs losing 6-3(0-3)(3-3) on aggregate to Finn Harps. After the dejection of relegation the "Blues" went into the 2008 season knowing that only one team from the First Division would be promoted and three from the Premier Division as the FAI look to revamp the league. A valiant effort from Cronin's Blues saw them come so close yet so far as the "Blues" fell away towards the business end of the season leaving Dundalk and Shelbourne in a two horse race come the final day of the season. In 2009 former Bohemians player, Stephen Henderson took over as boss at the Club and in his first season, the Blues narrowly missed out yet again for the playoffs and reached the FAI Cup semi finals. Henderson recently signed a 1 year extension to his contract for the 2010 season. File:Vinny sullivan.png Vinny Sullivan. [edit] Personnel[edit] Board MembersDirectors: Chris Everett and Michael Drohan Honorary President: Bertie Rogers Management Committee: Tony Burke, John Douglas, Michael Drohan, Chris Everett, Greg Pheasey, Larry Gough, John O'Driscoll, John O'Sullivan, Ray Scott, Sam White. [edit] StaffDirectors: Chris Everett, Michael Drohan Honorary President: Bertie Rogers Club Administrator: Michael Drohan The Board: Chris Everett - Chairman and Head of Governance Tony Burke - Head of Finance Larry Gough - Head of Communications & Community Greg Pheasey - Head of Technical Sam White - Head of Infrastructure Acting Chief Operating Officer: Brendan McEvoy UEFA Licensing Officer: Chris Everett Media Officer: John Kehoe Event Controller: Mark Dunne Doctor: Dr. Eithne Brenner Physiotherapist: Eddie Jackman Club Administrator: Michael Drohan Stadium Announcer: Michael Butler [edit] Current squadAs of 21 December 2009
[edit] Technical StaffManager: Stephen Henderson Assistant Manager:Ray Moran Head Coach/U20 Manager: Paul O'Brien Goalkeeping Coach: Billy Hearn Fitness Coach: Martin Cambridge Club Doctor: Dr. Ethine Brenner Physio: Eddie Jackman Equipment Manager: Michael Walsh U-20 Squad Players
[edit] FansThe club draws its support not only from Waterford City and the surrounding area, but also from Waterford County and the South East region as a whole. WUFC fans have organised themselves into 4 fan groups: [edit] GroupsBlues Supporter Club (B.S.C) The Blues Supporters Club, which is the official Waterford United fans group was formed in December 2009 after members of the IBSC (Independent Blues Supporters Club) voted to become an official fans group. For the 2010 season, the B.S.C will orgainse transport for Blues fans to away games, run the Club shop as well as organise numerous fund raising activities and other match day activities for Waterford United. Membership is now open for the 2010 season and information can be found on Waterford United's home page. Dublin Blues Supporters Club (DBSC) The DBSC was formed in January 2007 as an independent outlet for Dublin based Waterford United fans. The DBSC organises transport (usually trains) for Dublin based fans to away matches. The DBSC cooperates mainly with the BAU. Blue Army Ultras (BAU) The BAU was formed in January 2006 to bring an Italian style Ultra atmosphere to the RSC and to away matches. The BAU are noticable in their presence with their flag waving and chanting. The BAU in 2008 formed an alliance with the Lyngby Ultras of Denmark. All 4 fan groups will be residing in Block E of the West Stand for the 2010 season. WIT Blues The WIT Blues was formed in September 2009 and is made up of Waterford United fans based in the Waterford Institute of Technology. [edit] Honours[edit] Senior
[edit] U-21
[edit] European Competition
[edit] Selected Former Players
see also Cat:Waterford United F.C. players [edit] Selected Former Managerssee also Cat:Waterford United F.C. managers [edit] References
[edit] External links
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