Waterford announce a trio of signings to strengthen promotion hopes

The Blues completed the transfers of Christie Pattisson, Sam Perry, and Drew Baker on Tuesday. 

Waterford have already been active in the transfer market after signing St. Patrick’s Athletic winger Serge Atakayi last week. 

First of the signings announced on Tuesday was another winger, Christie Pattisson. The 26-year old, who can also play as a striker, joins after spells at Maidstone United and Welling United. 

Christie speaking to the club media stated, “I’m really happy to be here. I had a good look around the club and I’m looking forward to getting started.

“I saw the lads win 6-1 on Friday and the crowd and the players were great. The standard of the league is really good and I can’t wait to get involved.

I’m a winger, I’m very direct and I like to help out with goals and assists. I actually spoke to [former Blues player] Sam Bone and had a good chat with Keith before I signed, and I just can’t wait to get started.”

Head Coach Keith Long spoke of how the former Maidstone winger will add pace and depth to his squad. He added, “He’ll really give us pace and power in wide positions and can also play as a striker too so he’s an excellent addition to the squad.”

Next in the door on Tuesday was midfielder Sam Perry. The 22-year old boasts football league experience in England having made 36 appearances for Walsall in League Two. 

The former Aston Villa academy prospect on the move stated, “I’m looking forward to getting started. I had a chat with Keith [Long], it’s a really good club, the facilities are spot on and everything’s here for us.

“I’m a midfielder who likes to get on the ball and play forward and do that defensive part of it as well. The lads have all been really welcoming so far since I’ve arrived. It’s a really good group of players and I just can’t wait to get started and get on the pitch.

“I know I’m going to have to work hard on the training pitch to force my way into the team now but I’m up for the task and can’t wait to get going.”

On the signing of Perry, Long added, “Sam is another excellent addition in the squad. He’s a product of the Aston Villa academy and had played in the EFL with Walsall at an early age and gives us a different type of profile in midfield at 6ft.

“He’s technically good and looks after the ball well, so we hope he can give the team a different dynamic.”

Finally, Drew Baker has come in on loan from Fleetwood Town for the rest of the season. 

The Cheshire native was on loan with Long’s former club Bohemians for the first part of the season but only appeared once for the club. 

“I’m really pleased to be joining Waterford and I see it as a great opportunity to get playing and push for promotion” said Baker upon signing for Waterford. 

“It’s a good group of lads who’ve all welcomed me, as well as the coaching staff and I’m excited to start my first full week.

“I’ve come to Waterford to play as much as I can and I look forward to trying to do so. I understand earning my place in the team requires hard work and sometimes some patience, but I’m fully committed to proving myself to the coaches and teammates to make that happen.

“I want to make a positive impact whenever I’m given the chance and look forward to playing in front of the fans.”

Long speaking about the signing of Baker stated “Drew joins us on loan from Fleetwood after a loan spell at Bohemians. He’s a centre back who is in season and ready to go.

“Drew didn’t play as often as he would have wished during his time at Bohs but we look forward to working with him as we look to move forward for the rest of the campaign.”

Kerry make first signing of summer transfer window https://t.co/9VwY1Y3HqRpic.twitter.com/NRShxvtlLH

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) July 4, 2023