Ian Morris has been confirmed as the new Waterford FC manager.
The former Shelbourne boss takes the helm at the RSC having guided the Shels to the first division title in both 2019 and 2021.
With the Blues now resigned to the lower division, Morris is a good fit having won the title twice - picking up the Manager of the Year Award this season.
He was controversially replaced as Shelbourne manager earlier this season, with former Ireland winger Damien Duff now in charge at Tolka Park.
Waterford FC confirmed Morris' appointment in a statement at midday.
The new boss says he's 'delighted' and no stone has been left unturned.
"I’m absolutely delighted. I’ve done a lot of background work since I got the call. I spoke to the owner and the chairman, and we’ve had numerous calls and meetings over the last few days. We really got to the core of everything, there was no stone left unturned about the club and its running. Everything has been really positive from them so we’re starting off in the right way.
At 34, Morris is one of the youngest managers in the country - and he has moved to assure supporters that he will do his utmost to keep a core of players from last season. It comes as player of the year, John Martin departed the Blues for Dundalk yesterday.
“I’m here to build and I’m here to bring success. I’m really driven and I’m going to give everything I can to the club. I’m working on tying down the players we want to keep, getting straight into recruitment, and speaking to players so it’s a case of who our targets are and who we can identify to get the best possible squad to get the club back up. That’s the aim, that’s the goal and that’s what I’m coming in for.”
The Blues begin their campaign away to Athlone Town on February 18th. Morris is hoping to make the RSC a fortress for visiting teams and climb back into the Premier Division at the first time of asking.
“I’ve done my homework on the club and the facilities are one of the best in the country. I’ve spoken to a lot of players and ex-managers to see what they had to say about it; the fans, the stadium, the atmosphere that’s created when the club is doing well – I know once the city gets behind the team it can be an absolute fortress and that’s a massive draw for me.
“The ambition is there from the owner and at board level and they want to drive forward and get the club really flying in the right direction.”
