O'Brien has eyes on promotion

With a tough season ahead, Waterford United begin their league campaign with a local derby against Wexford Youths and manager Paul O'Brien believes that he has the players to get promoted.

“I’m delighted with the squad. I’ve been looking at the group since last November, we’ve been working since then. We have a blend of experienced players; good players and good professionals, and that’s what I was after. Then we have other young players coming through, and they’ll learn off the more senior players.”

The importance of promotion was on Paul’s mind as he spoke afterwards. Having seen the club go so close over the past number of years, O’Brien believes that promotion is essential for the club

“Waterford United have a fantastic history, a club like Waterford United need to be in the Premier Division. It’s very, very important that the Blues get back into the Premier Division, competing with the so-called big clubs. We’ve got a job to do, we’ve got to get promoted and that’s the big aim this season.”

The progress of the Under-19 squad this season, which sees them third in the Elite Division, has allowed these young players to be given more time in the First Team squad and step up when required.

“We had the Under-19 Elite League starting this year and we went off and identified players that we thought would compete in that League and they really did and now we have players that can step into the first team. That’s a plus in itself. But that’s the players that we picked and good coaching staff that will bring them along. And on top of that, we’ve got guys that will help them which is really good.”

With O’Brien guaranteeing 100% effort from his squad of players and coaching staff, he knows the importance of supporters and has called on all Waterford football supporters to come out and get behind the team.

“I’ve identified that alright, the board needs revenue coming through the turnstiles. At the end of the day we have to be attractive. We have to be good to watch and we have to be winning as well. But I think if we get all of those ingredients right, I think it’ll be a good season for us.”

O’Brien’s next challenge sees the Blues take on a Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium this Friday night. The game will their final friendly before the start of the season