Roddy Collins recruits trio for the Blues

Waterford United have secured the services of Philip Gorman, Sean Byrne and Roddy Collins Jr for their 2016 campaign in the League of Ireland First Division.

Waterford United manager Roddy Collins has made three valuable additions to his squad ahead of the 2016 season which will see the Blues aiming to secure promotion back to the Premier Division which they have not played in since their relegation from the top flight at the end of the 2007 season.

Philip Gorman could well prove to be a very valuable asset to the Blues. The striker, who has had spells with Kildare County, Kilkenny City, Shelbourne and most recently Athlone Town, has a proven goal scoring record in the League of Ireland.  

Collins was keen to praise his goalscoring ability and fitness levels.

“Philly is a top class goalscorer with a proven record and he seldom misses games through injury”

Gorman’s 17 league goals were key to Athlone Town earning a place in the Premier Division as the midland side won the First Division title under the guidance of the current Blues boss in 2013.

Defender Sean Byrne joins Waterford following a spell with Dublin side Tolka Rovers. Byrne, like Gorman was also part of the Athlone Town side who clinched the First Division title under Collins.

His versatility is something that appears to please his new manager.

“Sean Byrne is a player who can also play on the left side of midfield. He's 25 years old and I tried to bring him to Derry but he emigrated to Australia,” commented Collins.

He started his career with Bohemians which was followed by a stint at Tolka Park lining out for Shelbourne before he made his move to join Collins at the Westmeath side.

The final addition of Roddy Collins Jr, son of the Blues manager, will further bolster the Blues defense which shifted 51 league goals last season. Collins Jr has played under his father at Monaghan United, Derry City and most recently Athlone Town where he too figured in the title winning squad of 2013 alongside Gorman and Byrne.

Despite his young age Collins is aware of the experience his son brings to the squad.

“My own son has a lot of experience considering he's still a young lad and I'm thrilled to have him with us.”

The defender also had a spell in England with Crystal Palace and Luton Town.

Roddy Collins had also hoped to sign Willo McDonagh but an injury as a result of a car accident put an end to the possibility of versatile McDonagh joining the Blues.

The Blues have also announced they have added plans their preparation for the new season and will be making a trip to Oriel Park in Dundalk for a pre-season friendly against the League of Ireland Champions on the 9th of February with the game kicking off at 7.30pm.