Roddy Collins relishing challenge of lifting Waterford United

Roddy Collins, one of Ireland’s most colourful characters, is back in management after he signed a two-and-a-half year deal to take over as Waterford United boss.

The Dubliner was unveiled at a press conference held at the RSC yesterday with the man that he replaces, Tommy Griffin, now confirmed of Head of Football Operations at the club.

Roddy introduced today at RSC. Tommy Griffin will work on day to day running of teams as Head of Football Operations. pic.twitter.com/n5pvFPTbAT

— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) May 12, 2015

Waterford currently sit bottom of the table in the SSE Airtricity First Division with just six points on the board and face fellow strugglers Cabinteely at the RSC on this Friday night with a new man at the helm.

“I’m delighted to be back in management,” said Roddy Collins. “I retired officially from the game because I was fed up of it and I had no interest in it but when I got a call from Paul (Cooke) to say that they were thinking of change here in Waterford, I got a new appetite for it.

“I thought that, for a new challenge to me, that Waterford was something worth having a crack at. I have a track record in the First Division after getting Monaghan promoted and won the league with Athlone but this is now about getting Waterford United back on the map.

“I was fed up of the carry-on and the politics of the game here so I took a break away from it to move over and live in England. I was linked with an assistants’ job at one club and an academy director with another club but it’s great to be back here in Ireland.”

Collins admitted that he had no hesitation in accepting the offer as manager. “As soon as I got the call again off Paul, it was done in less than half an hour after meeting the guys from Waterford. It’s an opportunity that I felt that I couldn’t turn down.

“When I met with the club, what swayed me to come here was the guys who I spoke with. They love the club and their professional approach was undoubted and I like that style. After speaking with Tommy Griffin, a man that will be on my right side, I’m delighted to come here as manager.

“We are dealing with a lot of young players that need a bit of guidance and maybe we’ll need a bit of experience on the pitch as well. I can’t make an assessment yet until I see it but by all accounts we’ve been playing well without getting results so hopefully that will change.

Collins, can’t wait to get started with the club.

“The facilities that the club use are superb: a superb pitch, two fantastic stands in the RSC and top class facilities to train in. The potential for this club is massive and I can’t wait for the game this Friday.

“I just want to get to know the squad and get ready for Friday night. I’ve got some work done on Cabinteely and that’s where my focus straight away will be.

“Once the players give their all on the pitch and in training, that’s all I ask.”