Long: 'There’s a history and tradition of Waterford football that we’ve got to tap into'

Within 24 hours of clinching promotion on that bank holiday weekend, Keith Long was at Fleetwood’s Highbury, yes Highbury, home ground preparing for the challenge of what 2024 brings.

PRIMED TO SHINE: Waterford manager Keith Long and Ryan Burke at the launch of the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland season. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Damien Duff’s frustrations could be the reason for tonight’s season opener at the RSC not being the Irish multi-club derby it was initially billed as.

Friction between the Ireland centurion and Shelbourne’s new ownership towards the end of last season led to another glamour name, the Turkish Simon Cowell in Acun Ilicali, ceasing control just five months in.