FENLON STEPS DOWN FROM WATERFORD POSITION

PAT Fenlon has stepped down as Waterford Director of Football to take up a new role working for the club’s owner Lee Power.

Fenlon (right) was brought in by his former Ireland U-21 team-mate Power after he took over the struggling club at the end of2016.

He played a big part in their revival – particularly in the area of recruitment – and worked closely with manager Alan Reynolds as they secured promotion from the First Division at the first attempt.

They started their Premier Division season with a big victory over Derry last weekend in front of a large home crowd. However, Fenlon announced last night that he is leaving.

“It has been a great 14 months for me,” he said. “When Lee asked me to take on the role it was a big challenge, but one I have thoroughly enjoyed.

“I committed for one season to help get us back to the Premier Division but when asked to stay on for pre-season to finalise preparations for 2018, I was more than happy to do that. “When I committed for 2017 it was primarily because of the vision he (Power) sold me and he delivered. Travelling up and down to Waterford was an experience that I will always remember with great memories and I look forward to watching Waterford FC continue to grow.

“Alan is an excellent manager and was a pleasure to work with. Waterford really is a special place for football in Ireland.

“However, in my talks with Lee we have discussed a new challenge. I will be able to reveal more details in due course but it is a role which I am excited about.”

Power is the owner of Swindon Town and has been looking at adding other clubs to his portfolio.