Coup for Waterford as McGrath joins Blues' new management team

WATERFORD UNITED have pulled off a major coup by agreeing a deal with Republic of Ireland legend Paul McGrath to become the club's new director of football.

He joins player/manager Alan Reynolds in an exciting new management team for next season.

"I am extremely honoured to accept this position," said Paul. "I am looking forward to the challenges and I hope I can lead Waterford United to the success the club deserves. I am thrilled to be back involved in football and I can't wait to get stuck into the job.

"Everybody is thrilled," said Blues chairman Ger O'Brien.

"I am so glad to have a person of Paul's calibre at United and we are happy to afford him an opportunity to get back to an involvement with football."

Reynolds returns to the club where he spent nine years before having spells at Longford Town, Cork City and Shamrock Rovers.

Reynolds said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for me. I can't wait to get to grips with my new role and I look forward to working with everyone at the club, and especially with Paul. Hopefully we can build a club Waterford and the South East can be proud of. I hope the supporters will work with us to achieve this success."

Reynolds will perform day-to-day duties in his new role as player manager, while Giles Cheevers (head coach), Richard O'Connor (coach) and Derek Browne (U21 manager) will continue in their respective positions.

The new management team will be unveiled at the Woodlands Hotel, Dunmore Road, Waterford, tomorrow at 11am.