Waterford United have this evening confirmed that they've been taken over by Lee Power, current owner of Swindown Town FC.
Press Statement below:
Waterford United FC wishes to announce that Lee Power has assumed control of the football club. Former professional footballer Power is the current owner and Chairman of Swindon Town FC, and he has represented Ireland at youth, U21 and B level. He takes over from former Chairman John O’Sullivan.
Mr O’Sullivan said: "I am delighted to support Lee as the new owner of the club and I look forward to the success that is sure to come. I would like to thank all the committee members over the years who have helped to keep things going during a tough time for the region."
Mr Power, whose grandfather hails from Waterford, said today: "I am delighted to be involved with a club of such great potential and one which has a wonderful footballing history. I hope the supporters and the business community will get behind what is a new beginning for Waterford United. I see this as a very exciting, long-term project. The facilities at the RSC, as well as those at the WIT Sports Arena are top class. I wish to thank FAI Chief Executive John Delaney for all his assistance over recent months, and I look forward to the coming season with great anticipation. I would also like to pay tribute to outgoing Chairman, John O’Sullivan and I would like to thank him for his assistance with the change of ownership.”
CEO of the FAI John Delaney recently met with Lee Power at FAI HQ, welcomed the move today, and said: “Waterford United is a great club, it has outstanding facilities and it is in the heart of a football stronghold.
“The region has produced some great players including the likes of the Fitzgeralds, the Hales, the Hunts, Daryl Murphy, John O’Shea and Jim Beglin, and through the great structures in the county it continues to produce a high level of underage internationals.
“Waterford is steeped in football, and their victory in the 1980 FAI Cup Final stands out as one of the great sporting achievements for this great city.
"It’s a club that is extremely close to my heart. My father was Chairman of Waterford and I was Club Secretary, and
I want to thank John O’Sullivan for his great efforts over the years.
“I’m delighted that a great football man in Lee Power is coming in to bring the club back to a highly competitive level, and replicate past glories.
