Waterford United end Henderson reign
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
Waterford United have confirmed that Stephen Henderson has been sacked as manager after a meeting with the Management Committee this afternoon. Having endured a difficult start to the season, the club have decided to end his reign in charge and begin the search for a new manager. First team coach Martin Cambridge has also left the club.
While he had plans to bring in a number of players when the transfer window opened in June, Henderson has not been given the time to see these players join the club..
The Blues currently lie in sixth place in the First Division, ten points off the top spot. The inconsistent start to the season has cost the Dubliner his job after just five wins from the club’s first 12 games, the final game being a disappointing 1-0 defeat, and only the ninth goal conceded, but the clubs fifth 1-0 defeat this season. The club have struggled to score goals with just ten goals scored in 12 games.
The big signings of Kenny Browne, Conor Sinnott and Keith Quinn looked to give the Blues a good squad to challenge for promotion, and while promotion is certainly not out of reach with third place guaranteeing a play-off spot, the team have failed to gel on the field.
Henderson led Cobh Ramblers to the league title in 2007 following a remarkable marathon unbeaten run which saw the club move from mid-table to the summit and clinch the title in Athlone in glorious style.
Henderson’s first season in charge of the Blues in 2009 ended with a fourth place finish which was built on last season by finishing second, three points behind league champions Derry City. However, his side were defeated by Monaghan United in the play-off and condemned to another year in the First Division.
With assistant manager Ray Moran departing recently, along with the termination of Keith Quinn’s contract, pressure has grown on the manager, but he insisted he would continue to fight to get the club back into the Premier Division.
Henderson played a vital part of the club behind the scenes with a new junior blues academy set up and plans for schoolboy teams also devised. A new women’s team in the pipeline and a goalkeeping academy also set up as the club began to progress off the field.
Billy Hearne and Paul O'Brien are stepping in as caretaker managers for the FAI Ford Cup game against New Ross Celtic next Friday night.
While he had plans to bring in a number of players when the transfer window opened in June, Henderson has not been given the time to see these players join the club..
The Blues currently lie in sixth place in the First Division, ten points off the top spot. The inconsistent start to the season has cost the Dubliner his job after just five wins from the club’s first 12 games, the final game being a disappointing 1-0 defeat, and only the ninth goal conceded, but the clubs fifth 1-0 defeat this season. The club have struggled to score goals with just ten goals scored in 12 games.
The big signings of Kenny Browne, Conor Sinnott and Keith Quinn looked to give the Blues a good squad to challenge for promotion, and while promotion is certainly not out of reach with third place guaranteeing a play-off spot, the team have failed to gel on the field.
Henderson led Cobh Ramblers to the league title in 2007 following a remarkable marathon unbeaten run which saw the club move from mid-table to the summit and clinch the title in Athlone in glorious style.
Henderson’s first season in charge of the Blues in 2009 ended with a fourth place finish which was built on last season by finishing second, three points behind league champions Derry City. However, his side were defeated by Monaghan United in the play-off and condemned to another year in the First Division.
With assistant manager Ray Moran departing recently, along with the termination of Keith Quinn’s contract, pressure has grown on the manager, but he insisted he would continue to fight to get the club back into the Premier Division.
Henderson played a vital part of the club behind the scenes with a new junior blues academy set up and plans for schoolboy teams also devised. A new women’s team in the pipeline and a goalkeeping academy also set up as the club began to progress off the field.
Billy Hearne and Paul O'Brien are stepping in as caretaker managers for the FAI Ford Cup game against New Ross Celtic next Friday night.
About Brendan White
Brendan White is Extratime News Editor and is responsible for the news section of Extratime.ie. Brendan also covers matches in Dublin and Waterford. You can contact Brendan on twitter @whitebrendan. View Full Profile