The 2025 season is upon us, as the Blues kick-off their new campaign with a trip to the north-west to take on Sligo Rovers FC this Saturday in our opening SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division game of the year, and here’s everything you need to know for the league opener!
Sligo Rovers FC vs Waterford FC
SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division
Saturday 15th February 2025
The Showgrounds
7:45pm
WATERFORD FC
After 15 weeks of an off-season, Keith Long’s men return to competitive league action against John Russell’s outfit this Saturday in our highly-anticipated league opening game.
The Blues returned to pre-season work at the beginning of January, with eight pre-season games under their belts in the lead up to our clash against the Bit o’Red this Saturday.
Keith Long welcomes nine new faces into his squad for 2025, with the signings such as Tommy Lonergan, Trae Coyle & James Olayinka all adding to the depth of quality already in the Blues squad.
With over 150 Blues supporters expected in attendance of Saturday evening, the Blues will look to start their 2025 campaign off with a positive result against tough opposition.
SLIGO ROVERS FC
John Russell’s side welcome the Blues to The Showgrounds on Saturday looking to kick-off their season themselves with a result.
Sligo have lost important players from their 2024 squad, with captain Niall Morahan & keeper Ed McGinty departing the club for Bohemians & Shamrock Rovers respectively, but have brought in replacements they hope will help them improved on their sixth-place in 2024.
Former Blues Sam Sargeant & Cian Kavanagh were picked up by Sligo during the Winter window, with further signings including Jake Doyle-Hayes, Matty Wolfe & Harvey Lintott.
TEAM NEWS:
Waterford will be without the services of Matty Smith, James Olayinka & Trae Coyle for our trip to Sligo on Saturday evening, with Sam Glenfield a doubt for the game.
KEITH LONG’S THOUGHTS
“We’re really looking forward to finally kicking-off the season. The group have worked extremely hard over pre-season. We’ve got a squad that are ready to perform tomorrow against Sligo. The boys have really bought in to what we’re trying to do, and hopefully that will stand to them at The Showgrounds tomorrow”.
MATCH TICKETS
There are three categories of tickets available for Waterford supporters making the journey, with prices starting from €11 for U12s. The full price list is as follows:
| CATEGORY | PRICE |
| Adult | €21 |
| Student/OAP | €16 |
| U12 | €11 |
There is seating & standing available in the away-end of the Showgrounds, with all tickets unreserved.
