Waterford sack Jon Daly after winless start to season

Waterford are nine points adrift of second from bottom Sligo Rovers

Jon Daly had been appointed Waterford manager in November. Pic: ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

Waterford have sacked Jon Daly, meaning the Premier Division’s bottom club are seeking their fourth manager in the space of 13 months.

The Blues are winless this term, taking five draws from their 13 matches, but the expectation was Daly would remain in charge for Monday’s visit of Dundalk following an encouraging performance in Friday’s 1-0 defeat at leaders Shamrock Rovers.

Waterford’s Fleetwood owners vowed for improvements this season after retaining their top-flight status in the promotion/relegation playoff against Bray Wanderers but an overhauled squad under new boss Daly didn't click.

“Waterford can confirm Head Coach Jon Daly and Assistant Coach Richard Foster have left the club with immediate effect,” read a club statement released on Saturday morning.

“We would like to thank Jon and Richard for their efforts whilst at the club and wish them well for the future.

“First-team coaches Brian Murphy and David Breen will take control of the side for Monday’s game against Dundalk at the RSC.” 

 Daly was in an upbeat mood after Friday’s narrow loss at the champions, refusing to be despondent about the nine-point gap.

“We’re still cut adrift but have a game in hand over the team above us, Sligo Rovers,” he noted. “If we win that, it closes that gap. The players got a great reaction from fans at the end on Friday because they saw the effort put in. Unfortunately, we’re being let down by decision-making in key moments.”