Waterford United were today further bolstered for the campaign ahead by securing the signature of Paul McCarthy for another season. The influential 24-year-old midfielder was expected to take a year out from football, but instead returns to boost manager Stephen Henderson’s options in the middle of the park. Also today, the signing of Seamus Long from Douglas Hall was confirmed. The hugely talented and versatile player, comfortable in defence and midfield, is thought by many to have been the outstanding player in the Munster Senior League for the last two seasons. The 23-year-old also has plenty of league experience under his belt, having previously featured in Shamrock Rovers’ victorious 2006 season in the First Division, as well as spending two seasons at UCD. These two signings almost conclude the manager’s squad rebuilding process, though one or two more names may yet be added to the panel before the February 23rd deadline.

Waterford United are delighted to announce that local company Azzuri have come on board as kit suppliers to the team.In a great scoop for the club, United becomes the first League of Ireland side to join forces with Azzuri as they make a determined move into the soccer gear market. The Blues are thrilled to be in partnership with such a successful local business, under the stewardship of John Molloy, and to have their kit wholly manufactured in Waterford. All the details of the deal are still to be finalised, but will be announced shortly.

Blues boss Stephen Henderson will feature in a live interview with Matt Keane on his terrace talk programme tomorrow (Saturday).The show will also feature members of the United board as a wide range of Blues-related topics are discussed.The two hour show runs from 12:00 noon.

Waterford United regret to announce that this Saturday’s friendly against league champions Bohemians has had to be cancelled. The RSC pitch is unfortunately unplayable, as remedial work that had begun was unable to be completed due to the heavy rain of the last few days. A suitable alternative venue was unable to be sourced as many other pitches in the area also fell foul of the terrible weather. It is hoped that the pre-season will now kick off with the visit of Cork City on February 7th.

Waterford United manager Stephen Henderson tonight added to his rapidly developing squad when he secured the services of Alan Carey, Kenny Browne and Kevin Waters for the coming season. Carey joins from Cobh Ramblers, following former team-mates Kevin Murray, John Kearney and Graham Cummins to the RSC, though this will be Alan’s second stint on Suirside. He signed from Cork City at the end of the 2003 season, featuring in the team that made the FAI Cup Final the following year, before moving to Ramblers early in 2005. Since last in a blue shirt he has developed into an outstanding utility player, comfortable in midfield or anywhere across the back line, and with a something of a reputation over a dead ball. No less significant is the news of the re-signing of Kevin Waters and Kenny Browne. Waters is now by far the longest serving member of the Blues’ squad, having lined out for United every season bar one since 1999, and he gives the team great strength and stability down the left side of midfield. Browne has been a fixture in the side since 2006, and is simply one of the league’s best young defenders. All three will have vital roles in United’s 2009 title challenge. This almost concludes Henderson’s squad building process, and the final pieces of the jigsaw are hoped to be in place in the very near future.

Waterford United will take on a Waterford Soccer Monthly selection in a charity friendly which kicks off at 7.45pm on Friday, February 13th at Ben Wadding Park, Poleberry, the home of Waterford Bohs.

Blues manager Stephen Henderson today continued to build for the coming season as he promoted three of last year’s most promising Under-20 players to the first team squad for 2009. The three are amongst the cream of the young talent in the region, and the signings show the new gaffer’s intent to incorporate a strong local presence in the team.

Details are still to be finalised, but it is confirmed that Waterford United will take part in a charity friendly on Friday, February 13th.The Blues will play a Junior League selection at Ben Wadding Park in aid of the Irish Kidney Association.

Waterford United tonight received another huge boost for the new season ahead when they secured the services of goalkeeper Michael Devine from Cork City.

Blues manager Stephen Henderson today made Kevin Murray his third signing since taking the reigns at the RSC in December.