A record 29 teams have entered for this year’s cup and with a prospective meeting with Tralee Dynamos awaiting the winners of the first round, there is plenty at stake for both sides.

Six clubs were awarded byes until the Second Round as a result of having qualified for European competition or their participation in the Setanta Sports Cup, with the remaining clubs entering the draw for the preliminary and first rounds of the tournament.

The full draw is as follows:

POOL 1

First Round

Kerry League                          v          Waterford United
Limerick                                    v          Cobh Ramblers
Wexford Youths                    v          Cork City Foras Co-op

Bye: Tralee Dynamos

Second Round

Wexford Youths / Cork City Foras Co-op     v          Limerick / Cobh Ramblers
Kerry League / Waterford United                  v          Tralee Dynamos

POOL 2

Preliminary Round

Castlebar Celtic                       v          Salthill Devon

First Round

Derry City                                               v          Galway United
Castlebar Celtic / Salthill Devon     v          Finn Harps
Mervue United                                    v          Letterkenny Rovers

Bye: Sligo Rovers

Second Round

Sligo Rovers                                         v          Mervue United / Letterkenny Rovers
Derry City / Galway United           v          Castlebar Celtic / Salthill Devon / Finn Harps

POOL 3

Preliminary Round

Athlone Town                         v          Longford Town

First Round

UCD                                              v          Athlone Town / Longford Town
Drogheda United                    v          Bray Wanderers

Byes: Shamrock Rovers and St. Patrick’s Athletic

Second Round

St. Patrick’s Athletic                                            v          Drogheda United / Bray Wanderers
UCD / Athlone Town / Longford Town        v          Shamrock Rovers

POOL 4

Preliminary Round

Monaghan United                   v          Shelbourne
Tullamore Town                       v          FC Carlow

First Round

Monaghan United / Shelbourne          v          Tullamore Town / FC Carlow [Match A]

Second Round

Winner Match A                     v          Bohemians
Dundalk                                      v          Sporting Fingal

Fixture schedule:

Preliminary Round: Monday 29^th / Tuesday 30^th March
First Round: Monday 12^th / Tuesday 13^th April
Second Round: Monday 10^th / Tuesday 11^th May

Waterford United got their 2010 League campaign off to a flying start at the RSC on Friday night, with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over an out-of-sorts Wexford Youths.

After a lively start, the Blues took an early lead through the in-form Vinny Sullivan. The tall striker continued his hot pre-season streak as he timed his run to perfection to pick up Timmy Purcell’s clever low through-ball into the area, and skipped around Packie Holden to roll home inside the near post on seven minutes. Purcell went close to setting up a second moments later when a viciously spinning cross from the right was almost diverted into his own net by David Breen, but Holden was alert to the danger.

The Youths did have an early sight of goal through a well struck 25-yard Shane Dempsey snap-shot, but in truth they were already struggling in the early exchanges when their task became well nigh impossible on 20 minutes, as Warren Broaders saw a straight red card for a two-footed lunge on Kevin Murray. Down to ten men and with both centre halves carrying knocks (Anthony Wolfe was not to see out the first period), the visitors’ defence was to be in for a torrid night, typified by Dean Broaders – no relation – backtracking to hurriedly hook a low Liam Kearney cross just over his own crossbar.

Minutes later Willie John Kiely almost got in on the end of a Purcell pass, but Holden was out bravely to save at his feet, and, with a swift restart, sent play up the other end where Wexford almost snatched an unlikely equaliser. Chris Konopka’s weak clearance fell to Gary Sheahan, but his quick return caught team mate Danny Furlong totally on the hop, and he couldn’t get the ball out from under his feet to shoot cleanly. The Blues reacted well to the wake up call, and Sullivan, Kevin Murray and Paul McCarthy all went close from close range before the half-time whistle.

Unchanged after the break, United weren’t long about doubling their advantage when, on the 54 minute mark, Kiely got onto the end of McCarthy’s neat ball down the left channel, skipped past Aidan McCann, and bore down on goal, foxing Holden into moving the wrong way and then clipping home at the near post. The Abbeyside striker could have doubled his tally almost immediately, as he sprung the offside trap onto a ball over the top, but in turn hooked it over his shoulder and the crossbar. Just on the hour, Kearney, giving an examplary performance, fired in a dangerous cross that a helpless Broaders was relieved to see deflect inches wide of his far post.

With United pushing on the feeling was that another goal was coming, and it duly arrived on 71 minutes, when sub David Grincell was brought crashing down in the box by McCann as he raced clear onto McCarthy’s slide rule pass, and Alan Carey stepped up to rifle home to the roof of the net from the spot. The Youths might have folded at that stage, but to their credit they kept trying to get forward, and created a couple of half chances for themselves late on: Jimmy Keohane firing over the top when well placed, and Furlong sending a looping header just wide of the far post, but it was United who looked most likely to score again.

Into the last ten minutes, great approach work from Kearney set up Grincell to force a fine close range block out of Holden, and then Sullivan ghosted in onto a magical reverse pass from the Conna man that disected the defence, but he shot narrowly wide of the far post. Right at the death Gary Dunphy came closest of all, as an immaculately struck 30-yard drive came crashing back off the crossbar, which really would have been a suitable way to cap an excellent opening team performance.

Waterford United: Chris Konopka; Alan Carey, John Hayes, Kevin Murray, Kevin Waters; Timmy Purcell (Gareth Cambridge 67), Paul McCarthy, Seamus Long (Gary Dunphy 80), Liam Kearney; Vinny Sullivan, Willie John Kiely (David Grincell 67) - subs: Paul Carey, James O’Sullivan

Goals: Sullivan 7, Kiely 54, A Carey 71 pen

Booked: Long

Wexford Youths: Packie Holden, Anthony Russell, Warren Broaders, David Breen, Anthony Wolfe (Aidan McCann 36), Patsy Malone (Chris Kenny 78), Dean Broaders, Shane Dempsey, Danny Furlong (Lee Aust 85), Gary Sheahan, Jimmy Keohane – subs: Pa Doyle, John Byrne

Booked: Furlong, Russell, McCann

Sent Off: W Broaders 21

Brendan White surveys the task ahead for United,

Brian Kennedy looks back on, em, a version of football history,

Bluebeard explains the origins of part of his moniker,

Tom Flynn talks to one Blues hero,

and Niall Doherty looks back on the career of another.

All this and the usual mix of news and information in this Friday night’s match programme!

After a fruitful pre-season, the Blues are anxious to hit the ground running when the campaign starts in earnest, and ultimately improve on last year when, still fighting on all fronts, they just ran out of steam in the closing stages. Manager Stephen Henderson is confident his new-look United side is set up to do just that. Though Michael Devine, Kenny Browne and Graham Cummins have headed out the RSC gates in the close season, the squad has been boosted by the arrivals of Chris Konopka, John Hayes, Gareth Cambridge, Timmy Purcell and Liam Kearney. With 16 goals scored and three conceded in their six games in the warm-up, the gaffer is happy with the standards set so far.
 
Waterford have a good record against the next-door neighbours, with five wins and two draws in their eight competitive meetings to date. However, they won’t need reminding that the one loss to the Slaneysiders came in the most recent match at the RSC, in May 2009, and, added to the scoreless encounter at Ferrycarrig in September, is evidence that the ever-improving Youths will provide a stern opening test for the home team.
 
Henderson will have to plan without influential full back John Kearney, serving a carry-over suspension from last season. Midfielder Paul MCarthy has been carrying an ankle knock during the week, but is expected to be fit.

Henderson Quotes: 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Our pre-season was excellent, the lads worked extremely hard, and we feel they are at their maximum fitness levels with the exception of a couple who either came in late or picked up injuries.”

“We feel we have competition for places in all areas, and this should give the lads who currently have the starting jerseys the incentive to perform every week.”
“Football managers will always be judged on what they achieved, not what they nearly achieved, so last season was not a success in my eyes.”
“Being so close to winning so many different competitions last season has left us very determined to do it right this time.”
“We need to start the season well and improve on our home form from last year.”

Suspensions & Injuries:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Suspensions:
John Kearney – 1 match (8 yellow cards)
 
Injuries:
Paul McCarthy – ankle, very slight doubt

Top Scorers (Pre-Season):
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
7 – Vinny Sullivan
2 – Paul McCarthy
1 – Alan Carey
1 – Gary Keane
1 – Kevin Murray
1 – Timmy Purcell
1 – Willie John Kiely
(& 2 own goals)

Recent Form (Pre-Season):
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Last Match:
Sporting Fingal    1 – 3    Waterford United
                                  (Sullivan, A Carey, McCarthy)
 
Form (Pre-Season):
WWLDWW

Head-to-Head:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
04 Sep 09   L   Wexford Youths  v  Waterford United    0 – 0
30 May 09   L   Waterford United  v  Wexford Youths    1 – 2
13 Mar 09   L   Wexford Youths  v  Waterford United    0 – 1
19 Sep 08   L   Waterford United  v  Wexford Youths    1 – 0
18 Jul 08     L   Wexford Youths  v  Waterford United    1 – 1
09 May 08   L   Waterford Youths  v  Wexford Youths    1 – 0
07 Mar 08   L   Wexford Youths  v  Waterford Youths    1 – 2
02 Apr 07   LC  Waterford United  v  Wexford Youths    3 – 0

Betting:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Waterford: 1/2
Wexford: 13/5
Draw: 5/1

Results This Pre-Season:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
27 Feb 10     a     Sporting Fingal  1 – 3  Waterford United
24 Feb 10     a     West Waterford / East Cork League XI  0 – 6  Waterford United
20 Feb 10     h     Waterford United  0 – 0  St Patrick’s Athletic
17 Feb 10     a     Tramore AFC  2 – 1  Waterford United
10 Feb 10     a     Cork Oscar Traynor XI  0 – 3  Waterford United
06 Feb 10     a     Tralee Dynamos  0 – 3  Waterford United

Next 6 Matches:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
10 Mar 10     a     Cork City (ALFD)
19 Mar 10     h     Derry City (ALFD)
27 Mar 10     a     Salthill Devon (ALFD)
03 Mar 10     a     Mervue United (ALFD)
09 Mar 10     h     Limerick FC (ALFD)
16 Mar 10     a     Monaghan United (ALFD)

Adult:  €13

OAP/Student/Concessions: €8 (Valid ID must be presented to obtain concessionary admission)

Child (u16): €4

Season Tickets 2010

Adult: €190
Concessions: €120
Child: €60

Please remember to bring your season ticket with you to all games as admission will only be granted on production of a valid 2010 season ticket.

Parking Information

Parking at the RSC on matchdays is strictly limited to officials, car park pass holders, season ticket holders and Blues Supporters’ Club members. Membership cards or passes must be produced to gain admission to the car park. Due to operational and safety concerns, the car park will be closed 30 minutes before kick off. Admission after this time will be solely at the discretion of the event controller. Please obey all the directions of the event staff.

Parking is not available inside the stadium for visiting fans. There is plenty of parking in the vicinity of the RSC though parking is restricted by the Gardai on the main Cork Road on match nights.

Originally down to play Cork City, that club’s demise left a gap to be filled, and the Ravens came to the rescue last night, providing strong Premier Division opposition, and one final stern test, before the season kicks off in earnest next weekend.

As arrangements were already in place, the game will go ahead in Cahir on Saturday at 3.00pm.

Meanwhile, the Blues enjoyed a comfortable 6-0 victory over a West Waterford / East Cork League selection at Tallow last night.

In a somewhat one-sided first half, the league XI gifted United a two own-goal head start, firstly as a centre back headed a cross to his own net under pressure from Willie John Kiely, and then, in ‘what happened next?’ fashion, when the Abbeyside hitman struck the inside of the post with a rasping low drive, the ball flying across the goal line, cannoning back out off the inside of the other post, to rebound off an inrushing defender and nestle in the net. A hat-trick for Vinny Sullivan, the first capping a flowing nine pass move, and the third set up with a neat ball over the top from Kiely, meant the Blues were five up at half time.

A better display from the home side after the break saw things tightened up considerably. Kevin Burns, deputising for the League selection in the second 45, pulled off a fine save from Kevin Waters’ 30-yard drive, before making way for Josh Byrne to see out the match between the sticks. Late on sub Gary Keane made it six to wrap up the scoring for the Blues.

Team: Chris Konopka; Alan Carey, John Hayes (Paul Carey 60), Kevin Murray, John Kearney (Paul McCarthy 45); Timmy Purcell (Gareth Cambridge 65), Seamus Long, James O’Sullivan (Gary Dunphy 45), Liam Kearney (Kevin Waters 65); Willie John Kiely (Gary Keane 75), Vinny Sullivan (David Grincell 70)

Kevin Burns & Josh Byrne split the 2nd half for the League selection.

20 local businesses took part in the draw, and each received a player sponsorship as just one part of the package, the full list is below. A huge, huge thanks to every business that took part in the event, a great show of support in these tough times.

Chris Konopka           Azzurri
Alan Carey                  Perennial Freight
David Grincell           Great Stuff Catering
Gareth Cambridge   McDonalds
John Kearney            Alpha Web Design
Kevin Murray            Tom O’Brien Construction
Kevin Waters             John Thompson Funeral Director
Paul McCarthy          Fitzpatrick’s Manor Lodge Restaurant
Vinny Sullivan           Beautyteam.ie
Willie John Kiely       Snap Printing
Liam Kearney            Clem Jacob Hire
Gary Dunphy              FLI Environmental
Seamus Long              Paul O’Neill Construction
Josh Byrne                  In House
Paul Carey                   Sully’s Snooker Hall
James O’Sullivan       Nivea For Men
John Hayes                  Tower Hotel
Timmy Purcell           Gregory’s Clothes For Men
Kevin Burns                 The Star
Gary Keane                  Morris’ DIY

Chris Konopka

Squad number: 1
DOB: 14/04/85
Born: Toms River, New Jersey
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6ft 5in
Previous Clubs: Kansas City Wizards, Bohemians, Sporting Fingal

Sponsored by: Azzuri

Chris joined the Blues in December 2009. The New Jersey native, who played for Kansas City Wizards in the US Major League in 2007, as well as for the US U-23 National team, spent the 2008 season with Bohemians, finishing with an A-Championship runners-up medal, and on the fringes of the senior side that won the league and Cup double that year. He joined Sporting Fingal on a short term contract in the summer of 2009, and helped the Ravens to lift the FAI Cup, playing a key role in the semi-final victory over Bray Wanderers, and to gain promotion to the Premier Division via the play-offs. Tall, agile and athletic, and an excellent shot-stopper, Chris is very highly rated in the Irish game.

Kevin Burns

Squad number: 17
DOB: 28/07/90
Born: Waterford
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6ft 4 in
Previous Clubs: Seaview Celtic, Tramore AFC, Waterford United U-20

Sponsored by: The Star

Kevin stepped up to the senior squad last year after a string of exceptional performances between the sticks in the inaugural Under-20 season, where he displayed outstanding athleticism, lightning quick reactions, and a good head for organisation. Called upon on a number of occasions during the campaign, most memorably in the FAI Cup semi final against Sligo Rovers, he showed time and again why he is so highly rated. He spent seven years at Seaview Celtic, and another at Tramore AFC, before signing for the Blues.

Josh Byrne

Squad number: 20
DOB: 13/12/92
Born: Waterford
Position: Goalkeeper
Height:
Previous Clubs: Villa FC, Waterford Bohs, Waterford United U-20

Sponsored by: In House

Along with Gary Keane, Josh makes the step up to the senior squad from last year’s Under-20s (though still qualified to play in both teams) after impressing hugely for the young Blues last season. He got a brief taste of the set-up in the FAI Cup semi final where he was drafted in as cover for Kevin Burns, but this year has seen plenty of game time in pre-season, most notably when he filled in for Tramore AFC with an outstanding display between the sticks. Quick and agile, with superb positioning and handling, and a commanding presence way beyond his years, Josh has already been capped at U-17 and U-18 schoolboy levels, and is most definitely one to watch for the future.

Kevin Murray

Squad number: 4
DOB: 16/11/83
Born: Cork
Position: Centre Half
Height: 6ft 4in
Previous Clubs: Cork City, Cobh Ramblers

Sponsored by: Tom O’Brien Construction

Kevin became Stephen Henderson’s third signing when he was snapped up from under the noses of Cork City in the middle of January 2009. The tall centre half was the rock of Henderson’s defence at Cobh, and proved the same again last season when he forged a formidable partnership with Kenny Browne at the heart of the Blues defence. Powerful, strong in the air, well able to play ball on the deck, and with an excellent football brain, Kevin quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite, and is well on the way to becoming a Blues legend. Incredibly, he played every single minute of every game in the 2009 season.

John Hayes

Squad number: 3
DOB: 07/08/84
Born: Waterford
Position: Centre Half / Right Back / Defensive Midfield
Height:
Previous Club: Waterford Bohs, Kilkenny City, Cobh Ramblers

Sponsored by: The Tower Hotel

John returns to the Blues after a year’s hiatus, and has immediately slotted in like he was never away. That leave of absence aside, he has been with the club since signing from Waterford Bohs in 2004, though he had loan spells at Kilkenny and Cobh early on to gain league experience. Versatile in defence, he is comfortable both at right back and his favoured centre back position, as well as defensive midfield. Solid in the tackle and a good reader of the game, John is always prepared to give everything for the cause, and he has put in many inspirational performances in the blue shirt, with hopefully many more to come.

Seamus Long

Squad number: 5
DOB: 19/09/85
Born: Belfast
Position: Right Back / Centre Half / Midfield
Height: 6ft 4in
Previous Clubs: UCD, Shamrock Rovers, Douglas Hall

Sponsored by: Paul O’Neill Construction

The talented defender signed from Douglas Hall in January 2009, after two outstanding seasons at Munster Senior League level. Previously Seamus had featured in Shamrock Rovers’ 2006 promotion winning side, and prior to that spent two seasons at UCD. Quick and strong, he played a key part in what proved to be a mean defence last year. Though a natural at right back, Seamus is equally adept on the left, and at centre half, and is also comfortable in midfield, where he lined out on several occasions towards the end of 2009.

Squad number: 6
DOB: 22/03/85
Born: Cork
Position: Midfield / Left Back
Height: 5ft 11in
Previous Club: Cobh Ramblers

Sponsored by: Alpha Web Design

John was one of the first new faces to be brought into the squad by Stephen Henderson for the 2009 season, and little wonder. He is blessed with bags of ability on the ball, and from a midfield role can be the creative focus of the team, pulling the strings from the centre circle, as well as getting forward to get among the goals. However, last season he displayed another string to his bow. The manager’s ability to reinvent players showed once again, as he proved to be an outstanding left full back, and was one of the genuine contenders for Player of the Year.

Alan Carey

Squad number: 2
DOB: 19/03/80
Born: Cork
Position: Right Back / Right Midfield
Height: 6ft 2in
Previous Clubs: Cobh Ramblers, Waterford United, Cork City

Sponsored by: Perennial Freight

Alan is on his second stint at the RSC, having arrived here from Cork City for a couple of seasons in 2004-2005, including the run to the Cup Final. Though used primarily on the right side of midfield while at Cobh Ramblers, he has returned to his more accustomed right back position with the Blues, a position he has made his own. A virtual ever-present all of last season, his absence was keenly felt in the few games he did miss towards the end of the campaign. Solid at the back, with an excellent delivery, both from play and from the dead ball.

Kevin Waters

Squad number: 11
DOB: 26/08/80
Born: Wexford
Position: Left Midfield / Left Back
Height: 6ft
Previous Clubs: St. Oliver’s, Clonmel Town, Limerick 37

Sponsored by: John Thompson Funeral Director

Kevin is the longest serving member of the Blues squad, having signed in 1999 from Clonmel Town. Once established in the senior team, he was virtually ever present on the left side of the Blues midfield, and picked up a First Division Championship medal in 2002/03, along with three Junior International caps. ‘Blondie’ left for Limerick in 2006, and he was the Shannonsiders’ top scorer the following year before returning to the RSC at the start of 2008. Strong in possession, and comfortable mixing it in the middle or running the wing on the left, Kevin’s prowess from dead ball situations adds another dimension to the Blues attack

Paul Carey

Squad number: 14
DOB: 12/01/89
Born: Waterford
Position: Midfield / Full Back
Height: 5ft 7in
Previous Clubs: Southend United, Waterford U-20

Sponsored by: Sully’s Snooker Hall

Paul made the step up to the senior squad from the U-20 set-up last season, but some bad luck with injuries cost him a couple of chances to cement a regular place. This year he will be hoping for better luck in that regard, and has had a good run in the side in pre-season. Most comfortable in the middle of midfield, and comfortable down both flanks, he has been used mostly at full back in recent matches, where he as acquitted himself admirably. Determined, tenacious, and with an abundance of ability, Paul is definitely one for the future.

Paul McCarthy

Squad number: 8
DOB: 09/01/85
Born: Tramore
Position: Centre Midfield
Height: 5ft 11in
Previous Club: Tramore AFC

Sponsored by: Fitzpatrick’s Manor Lodge Restaurant

Paul played part of the 2005 season with the Blues U-21 squad, and was called into the senior side on several occasions that campaign, before briefly returning to his hometown club Tramore. Signing a new contract in 2006, he quickly established himself in the first team, and has been a regular ever since. Paul’s last two seasons have been severely disrupted with injuries though, a fractured ankle keeping him out for much of 2008, and a double groin operation forcing him to miss half of last year. A strong-running midfielder, with an excellent engine and a great football brain, this year he will be hoping for a long, productive, and injury-free run in the first team.

Liam Kearney

Squad number: 7
DOB: 10/01/83
Born: Conna, East Cork
Position: Left Midfielder
Height: 5ft 6in
Previous Clubs: Valley Rangers, Nottingham Forest, Cork City, Shelbourne, Derry City

Sponsored by: Clem Jacob Hire

Nicknamed ‘the Conna Maradona’, Liam is winger of immense skill and trickery, who has lit up the League wherever he has played. Most at home on the left wing, he is comfortable anywhere across midfield or in attack, and has vast experience at the top level in the domestic game, as well as at underage level both in the UK, with Notts Forest, and with the International sides.He has seven Under 21 caps to his name, and one goal, against Italy in 2007, and also played in the U-16 European Championships in Israel in 2000, and made the semi-finals in the U-19 Euro Championships in Norway in 2002. A fantastic coup for the club, his signing significantly boosts the manager’s attacking options ahead of the new campaign.

Gareth Cambridge

Squad number: 23
DOB: 05/04/88
Born: Cork
Position: Right Midfield / Attack 
Height:
Previous Clubs: Cobh Ramblers, Cork City

Sponsored by: McDonald’s

Gareth started his league career at Cobh, where he won the Under-21 Player of the Year and then a First Division champions medal under Stephen Henderson. Upon moving upriver to Cork City in 2008, he added a Setanta Cup winners medal to his collection, but an uncertain future at the Leeside club saw him look further afield. Snapped up by the boss in January, Gareth brings bags of pace and attacking flair to the right wing or the forward line this season. Capped by Ireland at U-19 level, and NOT related to Blues coach Martin!

James O’Sullivan

Squad number: 22
DOB: 30/03/88
Born: Clonmel
Position: Attacking Midfield
Height:
Previous Clubs: Cashel, Clonmel Town

Sponsored by: Nivea for Men

An attack minded midfielder of enormous potential, James is the most recent addition to the Blues fold, joining just before the transfer deadline from Clonmel Town. The highly rated Tipperary player had been attracting interest from several quarters, including Bohemians. Played for Cashel against David Grincell’s Tramore in the 2006 Munster Youth Cup final.

Gary Dunphy

Squad number: 16
DOB: 13/01/88
Born: Waterford
Position: Centre Midfield
Height: 5ft 11in
Previous Clubs: Ferrybank, Glasgow Celtic

Sponsored by: FLI Environmental

A strong, pacy midfielder who has the ability and vision to turn any game, Gary initially signed for the Blues in 2005 after a stint at Celtic, and played his way into the senior squad for the start the 2008 season, featuring regularly. A neat passer who likes to link up play and to push forward in support of the attack, Gary adds a different dimension to the Blues midfield when selected. He also possesses an ice cool temperament from the penalty spot.

Timmy Purcell

Squad number: 21
DOB: 04/03/88
Born: Kilkenny
Position: Striker / Right Midfielder
Height:
Previous Clubs: Shelbourne, UCD

Sponsored by: Gregory’s Clothes For Men

Timmy, a native of Kilkenny, joins the Blues after three seasons at UCD, and previously two at Shelbourne, where he also gained valuable experience with the Ireland Schools squad, in 2005/6. A very attack minded player, whether up front or on the right side of midfield, he has impressed in pre-season, and has already gotten off the mark with a goal in the second warm-up match. A neat passer, with good balance, quick feet, and an ability to drift into dangerous positions, Timmy brings a different set of skills again to the pace and guile of Grincell, the nous and presence of Sullivan, or the poacher’s instinct of Kiely.

Willie John Kiely

Squad number: 9
DOB: 25/06/88
Born: Abbeyside
Position: Striker
Height: 5ft 9in
Previous Clubs: Ballinroad, Abbeyside, Waterford Bohemians, Cherry Orchard, Aberdeen

Sponsored by: Snap Printing

The young Blues striker, a natural poacher with a nose for goal, started his career at local clubs Ballinroad, Abbeyside and Waterford Bohs before heading for Dublin and Cherry Orchard, where he won a SFAI Cup winners medal. From there he moved to Aberdeen, starring for their U-19 and reserve sides, but was released in the summer of 2007, signing for the Blues despite keen interest from Drogheda. He had an excellent season in front of goal in 2009 when vying for the top scorer accolade with Graham Cummins, notching 17 times in all competitions, and will be looking to better that feat this year.

Gary Keane, who was doing well before picking up an injury

Gary Keane

Squad number: 15
DOB: 10/02/89
Born: Waterford
Position: Striker / Right Midfielder
Height:
Previous Clubs: Waterford Bohemians, Waterford United U-20s

Sponsored by: Morris’ DIY

Gary is another player to move up from the U-20 ranks to the senior squad for this season, on the back of some fine performances last year, where he stood out as having the build and explosive power for the hurly-burly of the League of Ireland, as well as the talent with the ball at his feet. Quick and lively, and with a natural flair for the game, he can play equally as well up front or in midfield. He has played for the Waterford Schoolboy League development squads and Waterford Youths.

David Grincell

Squad number: 10
DOB: 09/03/88
Born: Kilkenny
Position: Striker
Height: 5ft 9in
Previous Clubs: Bohemians, Kilkenny City, Tramore AFC

Sponsored by: Great Stuff Catering

A skillful, speedy striker who has shown his goalscoring ability at every club, David signed for the Blues after stealing the show in the 2006 Munster Youths Cup Final for Tramore, and in 2007 spent time on loan at Kilkenny City to gain senior experience. He burst onto the league scene, once he’d begun to get regular starts, with a 35-yard wonder strike against Longford Town in 2008, but he suffered somewhat last season due to the outstanding form of Cummins and Kiely up front. He then suffered a horror double fracture of the wrist in August, but made a rapid recovery to feature prominently in the run-in. After all that, Grinny will be very keen this year to build on his undoubted talent.

Vinny Sullivan

Squad number: 18
DOB: 19/04/81
Born: Dungarvan
Position: Forward
Height: 6ft 1in
Previous Clubs: Dungarvan United, Glasgow Celtic, Livingston, Cork City

Sponsored by: Beautyteam.ie

A Blues stalwart for many years, Vinny re-signed at the end of August 2009, in part to cover for the injured David Grincell, but he soon showed his worth to the side, finishing with a half-dozen goals for his half-season. He played for Dungarvan United, and then Celtic and Livingston in Scotland before returning home and signing for the Blues in 2002. Apart from one season with Cork City in 2006, he spent all that time at the RSC until the end of last year, and finished top goalscorer in many of those years, including his debut season. A proven goalscorer at League of Ireland level, with pace, presence, and seemingly endless stamina, Vinny is in line this year to pass the 60 goal milestone for United.

Club Founded: 1930

Home Ground: Waterford Regional Sports Centre.

Club Colours: Home: Blue Jersey, shorts and socks. Away: White Jersey, shorts and socks.

Club Sponsor: Three Ireland

Directors: Chris Everett, Michael Drohan

Honorary President: Bertie Rogers.

Club Administrator: Michael Drohan

Club Secretary: Ray Scott

The Board:

Chairman: John O Sullivan
Vice Chairman: Sam White
Head of Governence:  Chris Everett
Head of Finance: Tony Burke
Head of Communications & Community: Ray Scott
Head of Technical: Greg Pheasey
Head of Infrastructure: Sam White

Acting Chief Operating Officer Brendan McEvoy

UEFA Licensing Officer: Chris Everett

Media Officer: John Kehoe

Event Controller: Mark Dunne

Manager: Stephen Henderson

Assistant Manager: Ray Moran

Coaching Staff: Billy Hearne, Paul O’Brien, Martin Cambridge

Kit Man: Michael Walsh

Physiotherapist: Eddie Jackman

Doctor: Dr. Eithne Brenner (email) (website)

Blues fans will be delighted to see the return of John Hayes after a year’s leave of absence. Prior to this the popular defender had been with the club since signing from Waterford Bohs in 2004, though he had short loan spells at Kilkenny and Cobh. Versatile in defence, he is comfortable both at right back and his favoured centre back position, as well as defensive midfield. Solid in the tackle and a good reader of the game, John is always prepared to give everything for the cause, and he has put in many inspirational performances in the blue shirt.

Gary Keane moves up from the U-20 ranks this season, on the back of some fine performances last year, where he stood out as having the build and explosive power for the hurly-burly of the League of Ireland, as well as the talent with the ball at his feet. Quick and lively, and with a natural flair for the game, he can play equally as well up front or in midfield.

An attack-minded midfielder of enormous potential, James O’Sullivan is the most recent addition to the Blues fold, joining only last week from Clonmel Town, and playing his first game for United in the recent friendly with St. Pat’s. The Blues are delighted with the acquisition, as the highly rated Tipperary player has been attracting much interest from several quarters, including Pat Fenlon at Bohemians.