Waterford's Ronan Mansfield joins Fleetwood Town on loan

Fleetwood Town have signed defender Ronan Mansfield to their Development Squad, who joins on loan from Waterford FC until December 2024.

The 18-year-old will be eligible to participate in the Under-21s Professional Development League, with Fleetwood's next match scheduled against Swansea City.

Mansfield, who has been at Fleetwood for a few weeks, can play both as a centre half and full back.

He has been a part of Waterford FC's Academy for six years, joining from his hometown club Cappoquin Railway Football Club as an Under-14 player.

During his time at Waterford, he progressed through the ranks, representing the club at Under-15, Under-17, and Under-20 levels.

In 2023, Mansfield made his senior team debut for Waterford FC, accumulating 11 first-team appearances across various league and cup competitions.

Jack Higgins, Fleetwood Town’s Academy Manager, expressed his enthusiasm for Mansfield’s potential impact, stating, “Ronan is the first player we’ve had over from Waterford FC in terms of our Development Programme. He has slotted in seamlessly over here, and we hope to move him into a full-time programme which I am sure he will adapt into.”

Higgins also extended his gratitude to Waterford FC for facilitating Mansfield's transition to Fleetwood, adding, “Helping Ronan develop is key and that will ultimately help the Fleetwood Football Group with either ourselves or Waterford FC in the future.

“We are sure this won’t be the last player to come over from Waterford FC to our Academy, and vice versa as there is now a clear pathway for players across the Irish Sea.”

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