Waterford FC has confirmed the appointment of Republic of Ireland legend Jonathan Walters as technical director.
The 39-year-old arrives with a wealth of experience, having played more than 500 games for the likes of Stoke City, Burnley and Ipswich Town, and over 50 international caps for the Republic of Ireland.
𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 🤝
Waterford FC are delighted to announce the appointment of @JonWalters19 as the club’s new Technical Director.
Full story 👉 https://t.co/LTBiK2G21M#WaterfordFC pic.twitter.com/hdyaqqqRtP
— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) December 23, 2022
A club statement read: "Walters will oversee the club’s long-term football strategy, working closely with Head Coach Danny Searle as well as the club’s Academy and medical departments.
"He will share the role with sister club Fleetwood Town in League One and will be tasked with helping to get The Blues back to the Premier Division while building a long-term strategy."
On the appointment, Chairman Andy Pilley said: "We are delighted to welcome such a well-respected name in the game to the club in a role which we feel is hugely important.
"He’s also someone who knows the Irish game well and is a proud Irishman.
"Jonathan is an experienced and knowledgeable character who can help the club move to the next level in structure, recruitment and sporting success on the pitch.
"It’s a hugely exciting appointment and these are exciting times for Waterford Football Club. We want to take the club to the next level."
Fans have already taken to social media to express their excitement with the announcement.
I was expecting a signing but this is very welcomed 😂💙
— Conor 🇮🇪 (@WFCConor) December 23, 2022
Big statement. Welcome on board.
— Dave Morrissey (@davejmorrissey) December 23, 2022
Massive welcome @JonWalters19! 💙🇮🇪
— Kevin Higgins (@KevindeHiggins) December 23, 2022
The announcement follows yesterday's confirmation that Junior Quitirna will remain at the club for 2023.
Quitirna was integral to the side's charge toward a promotion play-off spot and fans will be hoping for similar in 2023.
Speaking to WaterfordFC.ie Quitrina said: "I’m delighted to be staying with the club. I’ve enjoyed my time here so far and I’m really looking forward to the coming season.
"We have the belief that we can gain promotion and put things right for everyone involved with the club.
"The fans deserve it. They were brilliant last season and I know they’ll be with us again this season."
