Former Ireland star Sheridan looks forward to Waterford test

FORMER Ireland international John Sheridan says he is under no illusions about the size of the task ahead of him as he takes over as manager of Waterford FC.

Four weeks after the resignation of Alan Reynolds, the Blues have finally found a new boss. The vastly experienced Sheridan (55) has been handed the job of keeping them in the Premier Division, with owner Lee Power saying that hiring Sheridan is a statement of his commitment to the club in the face of rumours he was about to back away.

Capped 34 times at senior level (1988-1995), Sheridan is an experienced manager, having been in charge at seven league clubs in England. He had multiple spells at Oldham Athletic while his most recent post was at Chesterfield and Waterford is his first position outside of England.

“I’m delighted to have gotten everything sorted with Lee and the club, and I can’t wait to get down to the training pitches and get stuck in,” Sheridan said.

Sharp

“I am under no illusions of the task in hand. Speaking to Lee and others around the club, I am more than aware of what the club means to fans, and those involved. We’ll be looking to hit the ground running as soon as possible and getting sharp again ahead of the resumption of the league. I have spoken with the chairman a couple of times in the last while, and we are on the same page We have set out some goals, and I will be pushing the players to make sure we achieve what we have set ourselves.”

Power says the arrival of Sheridan, following the first team’s return to training earlier this week, is a sign of his commitment. “I’ve known John for over 20 years and am delighted that he has agreed to help me and the club out. To have someone of John’s calibre managing the club is fantastic for the supporters and the city and will also put to bed a number of silly rumours that have surrounded my ownership of the club,” Power said.