Blues add to their squad ahead of 2026 campaign as Matty Smith departs the club
New Waterford FC signings Hayden Cann, Conor Carty and Arlo Doherty plus the departed Matty Smith. Photos: Luke West/Lloyd Wadding
Waterford FC Head Coach Jon Daly has continued to add to his squad ahead of the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division after the announcement of three new faces, Hayden Cann, Conor Carty, and Arlo Doherty whilst confirming that Matty Smith has departed the club.
22-year-old Hayden Cann makes the move to the RSC, having spent the last 12 months with Derry City FC, making 26 appearances for the Candystripes across all competitions in 2025 for Tiernan Lynch’s men.
After starting his career with Lincoln City at the age of eight, he progressed through the academy ranks before making his debut against Mansfield in 2020. The central defender spent time on loan with clubs in the English National League before joining Drogheda United on loan for the first-half of the 2024 League of Ireland season before playing for Jon Daly just two months later when signing from Dundalk.
Cann’s impressive performances earned him a contract with Derry City for the 2025 campaign, where he spent the last 12 months of his career as he now becomes a Blue ahead of 2026.
Commenting on his move to Waterford, Hayden Cann said: "I’m buzzing to be signing for the club. I’m looking forward to working with Jon again after working with him previously & getting to know the lads. I know how tough a place the RSC is to come and get points, so I’m looking forward to playing here and meeting all the fans next season."
Jon Daly added: “I’m delighted to bring Hayden to Waterford. He’s a young defender with tremendous potential, real composure on the ball, and the hunger to keep improving. Hayden fits the type of character and quality we want at the club, and I’ve no doubt he’ll make a big impact for us this season.”
Conor Carty has become Jon Daly’s latest addition at the RSC after the centre forward put pen to paper on a long-term contract, having spent the last 12 months with St. Patrick’s Athletic, for an undisclosed fee.
The 23-year-old, who played for local schoolboys clubs Kilcullen AFC, Newbridge Town FC, and St. Francis, before making the move across the water when joining English Premier League side, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
After spending five years at Molineux, the striker moved to Bolton Wanderers, then had short loan spells at Oldham Athletic and Gateshead, before joining Richmond Park under current Blues boss Daly.
Carty went on to win the FAI Cup with St. Patrick’s Athletic before returning to the UK, where he played with Doncaster Rovers before suffering injury. He made a permanent return to St. Pat’s before joining the Blues for the 2026 season for an undisclosed fee.
Speaking on his move to the RSC, Conor Carty said: "I’m really happy to be here at the club, and I’m delighted to get the deal done. I’m looking forward to working with Jon Daly again too.
“I wanted to get the deal done as soon as I heard Waterford came in, so I’m looking forward to that and hoping to have a successful season with the club next season. I’m very keen to get playing in front of the Blues fans now in 2026."
Blues Head Coach Jon Daly commented: “I’m really pleased to bring Conor Carty to this football club. Conor is a player I’ve worked with in the past and is someone I believe will add a different dimension to our front line. Conor is a dynamic forward who works tirelessly for the team and has real quality in the final third.
“He fits the profile of player we want to bring to the club — hungry, hardworking, and ambitious. I’m excited to welcome him in and look forward to seeing the impact he’ll make.”
The club have completed the signing of goalkeeper Arlo Doherty ahead of the 2026 SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division, with the 22-year-old making the move to the RSC after spending last season with Derry City.
After having spells at Norwich City and Manchester City, Doherty made the move to Leicester City, where he spent five years before a move to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium for the 2025 League of Ireland season until making the move to the South-East.
Speaking on his move to the RSC, Arlo Doherty said: “I'm delighted to be with the Blues. I’m a big fan of how the club operates, and listening to Jon's plans and ideas, it would be a no-brainer to be part of it.
“Brian Murphy has a brilliant goalkeeping department here, and I’m sure we will push each other every minute we are on the pitch. Looking forward to seeing all the fans soon."
Commenting on the signing, Blues Head Coach Jon Daly said: “Arlo is an outstanding young goalkeeper with massive potential. Like our other signings so far, Arlo has shown a real hunger and desire to sign for Waterford FC. Arlo will bring a big presence, athleticism and real competition for places to the goalkeeping department.
“Brian Murphy has done fantastic work in the background to help get this one over the line, and I’ve no doubts Arlo will reach his full potential under the guidance of one of the country's top goalkeeper coaches.”
Waterford FC have also confirmed that Matty Smith has departed the club by mutual consent ahead of the 2026 SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division campaign.
Smith, who joined the Blues after winning the Premier Division with Shelbourne, missed the majority of last season through injury before featuring in a number of games late in the campaign, including a start in the promotion/relegation playoff final win over Bray Wanderers.
In a statement that confirmed the news, the club added: "Everyone at Waterford FC would like to thank Matty for his efforts at the club, and wish him well in his future endeavours."
