Ex-Sligo Rovers boss John Coleman appointed new Waterford manager

Coleman managed Sligo for three months in 2014. 

John Coleman most recently spent three months in charge at English League Two side Gilligham before departing in March. Pic: Robertas Dackus / SPORTSFILE

Waterford FC have appointed John Coleman as their new manager. He takes over from Keith Long who departed the club a fortnight ago.

Coleman managed Sligo Rovers for three months in 2014, a job he left to take over at Accrington Stanley. The 62-year-old managed Accrington Stanley for nearly 25 years over two spells. He most recently spent three months in charge at English League Two side Gillingham before leaving in March. 

“I’m delighted to become Waterford FC manager and excited by the League of Ireland which has a real vibrancy about it at the moment," said Coleman. 

“Although it will be a big challenge there is clearly a huge desire to be successful at this football club and to progress up this division.

“I’m relishing the opportunity to get started to build on the great work that has been done here in recent years.”

Coleman will be a spectator on Monday when Waterford take on Shelbourne at Tolka Park. Matt Lawlor will continue as interim manager for the game. Lawlor guided Waterford to a 2-1 victory over Bohs at Dalymount Park on Friday night. 

“We are delighted to be able to attract someone of John’s experience and standing in football to The RSC," said Waterford owner Jamie Pilley.

“The level of candidates we spoke to was hugely impressive, with applicants from within the League of Ireland and from all around the footballing world. But after hearing what John’s got to say, and his desire to challenge himself to bring success to Waterford Football Club, he was the stand-out applicant and the obvious choice.”

Coleman's backroom team will be confirmed at a later date.