Waterford plotting double raid as Reynolds nears Derry return

The Blues are resigned to losing Long’s assistant Alan Reynolds back to Derry City.

Fri, 12 Jan, 2024 - 17:48

John Fallon

Premier Division newcomers Waterford are plotting a double swoop for Tommy Lonergan and Jad Hakiki.

The Blues clinched promotion by beating Cork City in a playoff but lost two key components of their attack to English League One when Fleetwood Town and Shrewsbury Town swooped for Ronan Coughlan and Roland Idowu respectively. The latter banked the Munster club a six-figure sum in FIFA compensation.

It was Lonergan’s goal while playing for UCD that denied Waterford promotion in the 2022 playoff and he gilded his reputation by scoring for current club St Patrick’s Athletic in their FAI Cup final victory nine weeks ago. However, Jon Daly’s bolstering of his strike force, in particular Ruairi Keating, has squeezed Lonergan down the pecking order and Saints are willing to consider offers.

Hakiki is also under contract at Shelbourne but the teen is believed to be in demand.

Keith Long requires reinforcements for his attack and may continue shopping at Shels having already recruiting Gbemi Arubi from Damien Duff’s side, whom they host in what’s certain to be a sold-out campaign opener on Friday, February 16.

Meanwhile, the Blues are resigned to losing Long’s assistant Alan Reynolds back to Derry City.

Reynolds made the opposite move last year to be near his ill mother before she passed away but a return to the title contenders hinges on compensation being agreed between the clubs for the remainder of his contract.