McGeough takes the helm at Waterford
Sunday, 13 January 2002 12:25Waterford United Football Club have appointed former Blues hero, Jim McGeough, as their new manager. McGeough, a native of Belfast, Northern Ireland, spent six years as a player in England with Sheffield Wednesday (1962-67), before transferring to the League of Ireland to play with Derry F.C. (1968) and Waterford F.C. (1969-74). He replaces Paul Power, who resigned in December.
Having lived in the United States for over twenty years, McGeough brings to the League of Ireland some strong credentials from the United States, where he was involved both as a player, following his departure from Waterford, and in more recent years as a Coach and Manager. Since 1992 he has been a coach and selector for the US Olympic Development teams, and in 2001 was appointed Assistant Coach at Tampa Bay Mutiny. He became available during the last week when Major League Soccer contracted their league and eliminated two of the Florida franchises from the 2002 series, including Tampa Bay Mutiny.
"In many ways I have never have really left Waterford" McGeough stated. "This is a challenge that really appealed to me and in my discussions with the Board it was clear we all shared the same vision of football and could all see great potential for Waterford United."
In completing the appointment the club has also recognised the commitment of the acting managers, Brendan Rea and Paul Scully, both of whom are to return to fulltime playing roles.
"This is a great opportunity for Waterford United to finally get the past and the present united" said a chairman Ger O'Brien. "To have someone like Jimmy willing to give the effort to see this club try to get up from this division says a lot about his competitive spirit. We are sure that he still has many friends in Waterford who will undoubtedly help him in his new role."
Filed by Dónal Moriarty
