Fans save Blues in High Court battle

A High Court winging-up petition against Waterford United has been struck out after fans stepped up to help the club come to an agreement with former manager Stephen Henderson

The petition by former Blues boss Henderson was heard two weeks ago and adjourned to allow the parties to come to an agreement. An offer of €50,000 was rejected by Stephen Henderson on Friday.

A group of fans, however, began raising money over the weekend and after a meeting last night with Mr Henderson, an agreement was made to give more money on top of the clubs offer.

Legal council for Stephen Henderson requested more time finalise an agreement when the case was called at 11am, and after negotiations between the legal teams, an agreement was made before 2pm.

Justice Laffoy struck out the winding-up petition against the club when the case was re-called.

"We could not have done it without the fans and the huge effort of all fans. We’ve got donations others fans, some from Dundalk and from people who people who have been through a similar situation that we’ve been through,” Russell Dalton, one of the fans involved in raising the money, said.

"We are deeply upset and embarrassed the way things have gone and how far they’ve gone. This is a ridiculous situation and we can never be in this situation again"

Waterford United thanked their fans for their contribution and say that they are looking forward to getting back to the playing pitch.

"Waterford United are very happy that the on-going high court dispute has been today resolved to the satisfaction of all parties, and the club can now move on and look to the future.

"The Club would particularly like to thank the Blues fans - so many of whom have put their hands in their pockets over the last couple of days and dug deep once again to help their club, John O'Riordan of Dillon Eustace Solicitors, and the FAI, for all of their help in bringing this matter to a satisfactory conclusion.

"Waterford United Football Club can now move forward in fulfilling its obligations and look to the future one more, starting with this Friday's Airtricity League fixture at Salthill Devon, and the friendly against Crystal Palace at the RSC on Saturday."