Waterford reject record Derry bid for Tommy Lonergan
Waterford FC have rejected what is believed to be a record-breaking €180,000 bid from Derry City for in-form striker Tommy Lonergan, with the Blues determined to keep hold of their leading attacking threat ahead of Friday night’s trip to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
The Waterford News & Star understands that Derry’s offer was one of four approaches made for the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, who has also attracted interest from Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians during the current transfer window.
However, Waterford officials have made it clear that Lonergan is not for sale, with the 22-year-old viewed as central to the club’s fight to preserve its SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division status. The Blues remain bottom of the table, but there is a firm belief within the RSC that keeping Lonergan could prove decisive over the second half of the campaign.
Lonergan has scored ten goals for Graham Coughlan’s side this season and has carried an increasing burden in attack since the arrival of the new manager. His recent form was underlined last Friday when he struck twice in Waterford’s win over Dundalk, a result that offered the Blues a timely lift in their battle at the foot of the division.
The centre forward’s improvement has been linked with a renewed sense of confidence under Coughlan, whose arrival has brought fresh energy to the squad. Waterford are understood to believe that Lonergan’s goals, physical presence and ability to lead the line make him too valuable to lose at this stage of the season, regardless of the level of interest from elsewhere.
Lonergan joined Waterford from sister club Fleetwood Town after previously moving cross-channel from St Patrick’s Athletic. His progress has since placed him firmly back on the radar of leading League of Ireland clubs, with Derry City’s interest particularly significant as Tiernan Lynch looks to strengthen his options.
The timing of Derry’s bid adds another layer to Friday night’s fixture, with Lonergan set to travel north as the subject of rejected interest from the very club Waterford will face. The Brandywell encounter was already a major test for Coughlan’s side, but the transfer subplot ensures that all eyes will be on the striker if he leads the line against Lynch’s team.
For now, Waterford’s stance is firm. In a window where survival rivals and title contenders are all seeking reinforcements, the Blues have decided that Lonergan’s value to their own cause outweighs the financial appeal of a record bid.
