Blues add former Birmingham City youngster to squad before start of season

Waterford FC have confirmed the signing of left back Ryan Burke ahead of this week's league opener against Wexford FC.

Burke (22), who was most recently with Bohemians, played his youth football with St Joseph’s Boys and St Patrick's Athletic before he made the move across the pond to sign for Birmingham City.

Waterford FC is delighted to announce the signing of left back Ryan Burke.

The 22-year-old joins from Bohemians where he spent the second half of the 2022 season.

More info https://t.co/wG3wWeuaiA#WaterfordFC pic.twitter.com/qgMBOU1hzo

— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) February 14, 2023

The former Yeovil Town and Mansfield Town man told Waterford's club website: "I’m absolutely buzzing to have signed and can’t wait to get going. The ambitions of the club and the club itself drew me to sign. I’ve spoken to players who have previously played at the club and they loved their time here.

"I had a good chat with the gaffer and heard how ambitious he was to take the club forward and I’m buzzing to be part of it. I’ve been in since Saturday and met the players and staff and everyone was very welcoming, and there’s some real quality in the squad. The facilities are unbelievable and there’s a great fan base too who I’m looking forward to playing in front of.

"We will be looking for a good start against Wexford this Friday to kick start our season and we all know our aim this season and that’s to win the league. With the squad we have built, I think we’re certainly capable and hopefully I can play a big part in this."

The Blues have also added attacker Ronan Coughlan to their ranks ahead of the new campaign.

The ex-St Patrick’s Athletic and Sligo Rovers striker said: "I’m delighted to be here now and I can’t wait to get going! The club is hungry for success, like myself, so it’s a great match up!

"Once I spoke with the gaffer and he spoke about the plans the club have and what I can bring to the table, it felt like a no brainer for me personally. Hopefully I can bring goals, experience and much more to help get the club back to where it belongs.

"It’s been too long since I’ve had a proper chance to show what I can do when I’m given the opportunity. I’m extremely hungry for success and hopefully it will start on Friday night.

"First and foremost, we want to be right up there come the end of the season, we won’t shy away from that, we know where we need to be and what needs to be done in order to achieve that outcome. For myself personally, I want to help the team as much as possible on and off the pitch!"

Waterford FC is delighted to confirm the signing of Ronan Coughlan.

The striker joins the Blues ahead of the 2023 promotion push.

More info https://t.co/brSJgCXlhL#WaterfordFC pic.twitter.com/146LGYGq1t

— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) February 14, 2023

Danny Searle's side travel to Ferrycarrig Park this Friday to start their 2023 League of Ireland First Division season.