Waterford United sign three players

Waterford United continue their preparation for the 2013 season with confirmation that Robbie Hughes, David Breen and Padraic Quinn have agreed deals with the club for next season.

This follows on from the news that Craig Burns has also re-signed for the Blues for the upcoming campaign.

Given the heartbreak suffered by Waterford in their play-off defeat, which consigned them to another year of First Division football, manager Paul O’Brien has been working frantically during the winter break to put together a squad capable of gaining promotion.

Goalkeeper Robbie Hughes joined the Blues last year from the Shamrock Rovers U20 team. He acted as understudy to Packie Holden last season but by re-signing he is hoping to stake a claim for the number 1 spot. Padraic Quinn is a new addition, formerly plying his trade with Limerick FC. He was the joint top scorer for the Shannonside team in the 2011 season with nine goals in 28 starts and can play in midfield and attack. The signing of Hughes (21) and Quinn (20) shows a club with a clear intention of building a team for the future.

David Breen is a more seasoned campaigner and has twice won the First Division, once with the Blues and also with the now defunct Kilkenny City. His decision to commit to the club again this season will provide O’Brien with experience in his back line, which will be vital to complement his mainly young squad.