Waterford search for football manager hits brick wall as clubs fail to supply a single nomination

Ephie Fitzgerald stepped down as Deise Senior and U20 football boss on August 26 after two years in charge. Expressions of interest were sought from clubs but none were forthcoming.

Waterford's previous manager Ephie Fitzgerald. Pic Credit ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Waterford's search for a senior football manager to replace Ephie Fitzgerald has hit a brick wall.

Clubs in the county have failed to supply a single nomination for the position.

Fitzgerald stepped down as Deise Senior and U20 football boss on August 26 after two years in charge. Expressions of interest were sought from clubs but none were forthcoming.

The process is ongoing with the Board looking at candidates both inside and outside the county. There are fears among some football clubs that the Board is considering reverting to the junior grade as a cost-saving measure.

Waterford are one of three counties currently without a manager ahead of the 2024 league and championship campaigns. Fellow Division 4 sides Tipperary and Laois are also on the lookout for a new manager, though the Premier are in talks with former Kerry boss Peter Keane.

Meanwhile Wexford look set to fill the vacant U20 hurling manager post following the promotion of Keith Rossiter to the senior managerial role.

Rossiter had steered the county to two successive U20 provincial hurling finals, prior to being handed the senior role following the decision not to extend Darragh Egan's tenure.

Michael Jacob, a fellow Oulart-the-Ballagh clubman of Rossiter, served two years as a selector with his club colleague. Jacob is expected to be joined in his backroom team by former Irish international boxer, Adam Nolan, who also plays out of the Oulart-the-Ballagh club.