Waterford FC return to action this Saturday after the mid-season break with a trip to face Sligo Rovers in the Showgrounds (7.45pm kick-off).
Speaking to WaterfordFC.ie, Manager Alan Reynolds talks about the latest on Courtney Duffus, looks back at the season to date, new additions to the squad, the fans, and a look to the rest of the season.
The Blues sit third in the Premier Division table with 12 wins from 23 games so far.
Alan Reynolds talks about…
…Courtney Duffus…
“It’s great that we’ll have Courtney available this Saturday for the match against Sligo Rovers as part of the loan deal from the start of the season. Courtney has been great so far and we’re working hard to sort something for the rest of the season – if and when we get something sorted, we’ll announce that.”
…the season so far…
“It’s been a good season so far but we know there’s still a long way to go. We started well with two wins from our opening three games and we needed that. It really set the tone and the standard that we’ve aimed for from the players and they’ve been great.
“The wins at home to the likes of Rovers, Cork and Dundalk were great for everyone, strong battling performances which showed where we’ve got to as a club on and off the pitch.
“Our home form has been very good and we knew how important that would be. To have lost just once at home so far is a great record and one we know we need to continue.
“It’s really been a massive team effort to get us to where we are now. When you think of Darren, Keith and Greg in the RSC who have the pitch in immaculate condition and have the training facilities spot on for us every day, it’s a pleasure to be able to use the RSC.
“A big part of where we’ve got the club to has also been the background staff I have around me, the likes of Fran, Paul and Dirk who’ve been here from the start, and Noel coming in now too so we have the right people around the club. People like Michael O’Sullivan our physio, kitmen Michael, Ritchie and the help of Pascal, Gerry Fitzpatrick from WIT helping with Strength and Conditioning and our new fitness coach David Grey; all guys at the top of their field.
“Our sponsors have also been massive for us. Coming into the Premier was always a big step but the business community have got behind us. Places like the Woodlands Hotel who’ve been great to us for accommodation, gym, pool and food, we’re so grateful for everybody who’s supporting us and being part of the club.
…new additions…
“We’ve brought in Dessie [Hutchinson] and Noe [Baba] in the past week and they are good young lads to have around the squad. Of course we have Noel [Hunt] too so we already have those three lads to come in.
“But we’re still working behind the scenes…we don’t want to bring in players for the sake of it so we’re not going to rush into signings, we want players that suits the squad and the club. When signings are 100% completed, we’ll announce them.
…the fans…
“What can you say about them…they’ve been brilliant. I’ve said it before but they’ve literally followed us everywhere this season so far. I’ve been drilling that into the players how important they are to us to get us through games and when you see the crowds at some of the matches, it’s been brilliant. Hopefully they stick with us and keep making plenty of noise to drive us on further.
…the rest of the season…
“We need to keep driving on. The start of the season we had a lot of games in a short space of time but the rest of the season won’t be the same so we’ll be able to manage things and players a bit easier now.
“We’ve also arranged a game against Linfield in a couple of weeks so we’re looking forward to that. Shamrock Rovers are playing in Europe that Friday so our match is switched to the Sunday (depending on their progression). Linfield will be getting ready for the start of their season so that’ll be a good test for both teams.
“We have 13 league games and the cup still to play so all the lads are looking forward to getting back into it. We’ve trained well this week and all the lads are raring to go again.”
