Waterford ended the 2019 season not sure what the future would hold for the club. Alan Reynolds had led his side to a sixth-place finish in the Premier Division after a strong end to the campaign which saw them lose just once in the final four matc
Waterford ended the 2019 season not sure what the future would hold for the club.
Alan Reynolds had led his side to a sixth-place finish in the Premier Division after a strong end to the campaign which saw them lose just once in the final four matches of the season and picked up wins against St. Patrick's Athletic, Sligo Rovers and UCD AFC.
In the weeks following the end of the season, a number of players left the club including star winger and Ireland U-21 international Zach Elbouzedi. There were many supporters worried about the future and how Waterford will look in 2020 until owner Lee Power confirmed his commitment to the club just before Christmas to begin a manic few days for the club.
On the same day, Reynolds confirmed he was staying on at the club for the new season and the signing announcements were like buses.
Dean Walsh, Shane Griffin and promising local talent John Martin re-signed for the 2020 season before the club announced the signing of defender Sam Bone from Shamrock Rovers.
Striker Graham Cummins' return to the club following his departure from Cork City was also confirmed, having spent half of last season at Shamrock Rovers. Whilst Cummins didn't enjoy his best season in 2019, the former St. Johnstone man still has the pedrigee and at the age of 32, his experience could prove crucial for Reynolds' side.
Two days before Christmas, Scott Allardice joined the club after he left Bohemians. The 21-year old showed glimpses of his talent at Dalymount Park but will benefit from the increased playing opportunities at the Regional Sports Centre.
It was a quick turnaround of fortune for the Blues. In the space of a week, the club raised the optimism levels and it has had a fantastic impact in the community as new sponsors for the club were also confirmed just after the new year.
Kevin O'Connor sealed a loan move from Preston North End for the 2020 season he returned to one of his former clubs and Tadhg Ryan, one of the most promising young goalkeepers in the league, also signed after his departure from Cork City.
Striker Michael O'Connor has signed on loan from Northern Irish Premiership side Linfield after his impressive spell at the RSC in the second half of the 2019 campaign. O'Connor began to show his best form for the club, having scored three goals in the league, and Reynolds believes a fully fit O'Connor has the potential to be one of the best strikers in the league.
The latest signing was former Bohemians defender Robbie McCourt. McCourt was included in Stephen Kenny's home-based U-21 squad in February but struggled for game-time during the season. If he can force his way into Reynolds' starting XI, the 21-year old McCourt is definitely one to watch.
Whilst the squad might be short on numbers, there is no doubting the quality of signings Reynolds has been able to get over the line. He'll be looking to add a number of new faces before the start of the season but it is also worth remembering promising winger Will Fitzgerald remained at the club and will hope to play a prominent role in 2020.
Reynolds started four trialists in their first friendly of pre-season, a 3-1 win over Wexford, at the weekend as the Waterford boss casts his eye over plenty of potential signings.
From the insecurity at the end of the 2019 season, things are beginning to come together for the Blues and supporters have every right to be optimistic. If Reynolds can continue to attract the calibre of signings he has to the club, Waterford will be looking up the table rather than down.
