Ex-Ireland international Jon Walters takes up Waterford role

Ex-Republic of Ireland attacker Jonathan Walters has taken up a Technical Director role at Waterford FC, the club has announced.

The former Stoke City forward has been involved in coaching roles with the Potters and the Irish under-19 setup since his retirement from professional football in 2019 after suffering an Achilles injury while playing for Ipswich Town.

Walters, who made his international debut under Giovanni Trapattoni in 2010, went on to be capped 54 times for the Boys in Green - scoring 14 goals. The 39-year-old will be fondly remembered for his Euro 2016 qualifying play-offs heroics when he netted twice against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Aviva Stadium to send Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane's team to France.

On the appointment, Chairman Andy Pilley told Waterford's club website: "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."

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

It has also been reported that Blues boss Danny Searle is on the lookout for a new attacker after Phoenix Patterson joined English League One side Fleetwood Town (Waterford's sister club) earlier this week.

Former Celtic and Scotland striker Leigh Griffiths has been recently linked with a move to the RSC.