Waterford FC
- Leagues Played
- Republic of Ireland Premier Division 161 Republic of Ireland First Division 158 Republic of Ireland FAI Cup 20 Republic of Ireland League Cup 14 Republic of Ireland Play-Offs 7 Republic of Ireland Munster Senior Cup 4 Scotland League Challenge Cup 2 Republic of Ireland Cup 1
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- Related Teams
- Waterford FC U19
Wikipedia - Waterford F.C.
Waterford Football Club (Irish: Cumann Peile Phort Láirge) formerly Waterford United Football Club is an Irish association football club based in Waterford who play in the League of Ireland Premier Division. The club was founded and elected to the league in 1930. Originally the club was based at the greyhound stadium known as Kilcohan Park, but moved to the Waterford Regional Sports Centre in the 1993-94 season. In 2018 the club and its players became fully professional.
History
Early Years
Waterford first participated in the league in the 1930–31 season finishing ninth and again from 1931–32 before dropping out of the league for two seasons. Waterford re-entered the league in the 1935–36 season along with Sligo Rovers. Waterford won the Shield in their first season.
Waterford won the FAI cup for the first time in their history in 1937 beating St. James Gate and also won the Shield.
The club were league runners up in 1937–38 season and again in the 1940–41 season. Both Waterford and League winners Cork United finished on equal points but Cork were awarded the title as Waterford were unable to compete in the play-off due to a dispute regarding payment to players. At the end of the campaign, the original Waterford resigned from the League of Ireland, only for a new entity, with the same name, to be elected in, for 1944–45 season. Waterford won the Shield again in the 1952–53 season and were again runners-up in the League this time to St. Patrick's Athletic in the 1954–55 season and again in the 1962–63 season.
The club eventually won the league title for the first time in the 1965–66 season, (under manager Paddy Coad) setting a then league record of 13 straight league victories. The 1965/66 title was the beginning of a hugely successful spell for the club domestically. The following season they played in the preliminary round of the Champions cup against Vorwärts Berlin, an East German and Army side, losing 6–1 at Dalymount Park and 6–0 in East Berlin.
They won the Shield once again in 1968–69 season. Waterford won the league title three times in a row, in 1968,1969 and in 1970. The title was won by Cork Hibernians in 1971 but returned to Waterford in the 1971–1972 season and again in the 1972–73 season. The following season Waterford won the League of Ireland Cup, however failed to regain the league title.
The Club won the FAI Cup for the second time under Tommy Jackson in 1980 beating St Patrick's Athletic with the winner from Brian Gardner.
Waterford's success in the league over the years brought European football where they played against famous clubs such as Manchester United and Celtic. Bobby Charlton had a brief spell at the club in 1976, playing three times and scoring one goal.
Waterford FC has a rich history in Irish football, having won numerous league titles and domestic cups over the years. The team has a passionate fan base and is known for their attacking style of play and competitive spirit on the field.
The current squad is made up of talented players from Ireland and abroad, who are led by a dedicated coaching staff. Waterford FC is known for developing young talent and providing opportunities for local players to showcase their skills at the highest level of Irish football.
Overall, Waterford FC is a respected and competitive team in the League of Ireland, with a proud history and a bright future ahead.