Coughlan hails Waterford's progress after vital Shelbourne victory

Waterford FC manager Graham Coughlan admitted his side still have room for improvement despite securing a crucial 1-0 victory over Shelbourne at the RSC, a result that moved the Blues three points clear of the bottom of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

The victory continued Waterford's recent resurgence under Coughlan and extended their run of clean sheets to two games, something the manager described as a significant step forward for a team that has battled through a difficult campaign.

While pleased with the result, Coughlan felt Waterford should have been more comfortable winners.

"Overall, we were the better team," he said.

"We defended resiliently when we had to. But I was on the players' cases at half-time and I was on their cases after the game. I think we need to be better with the ball. We need to show a little bit more composure and a little bit more quality. The game should have been out of sight."

The Waterford boss admitted there were nervous moments late on as memories of recent disappointment resurfaced.

"I'd be lying if I didn't speak about the Pats game two weeks ago when we were 1-0 up and they scored with the last kick of the game," he said.

"I'd be lying if I said that didn't cross my mind when I was stood on the sidelines."

Nevertheless, Coughlan was delighted with the defensive resilience shown by his players, praising them for recording back-to-back shutouts.

"I'm just delighted to get another clean sheet, two on the bounce," he said.

"I don't know when the last time was that the club kept two on the bounce. I thought the lads were outstanding. Each and every one of them was brilliant. The subs that came on had a big impact as well."

Despite the recent improvement in results, Coughlan believes there is still considerable growth in a youthful Waterford squad, particularly when it comes to managing games and retaining possession.

"We've got a lot of young lads and you can see a little bit of naivety creep into us," he explained.

"Game management, or the lack of game management. You've got Tommy, you've got Podge, you've got John Mahon and you've got Longy who are generally experienced operators. The rest of the lads are probably a little bit young, a little bit naive, a little bit wet behind the ears."

He also feels his side can become much more comfortable in possession as confidence continues to build.

"I just think at times we get a little bit complacent, a little bit sloppy and a little bit lethargic with the ball," he said.

"We think we have more time than we actually do. They're things we've been working on over the last couple of weeks.

"Hopefully over the next few weeks and months you'll see us a little bit better with the ball. You'll maybe see us develop and grow from there."

Coughlan was particularly complimentary of Evan McLaughlin, whose return from injury has strengthened the squad since the manager's arrival.

The midfielder spent much of Coughlan's early tenure sidelined, but the Waterford boss believes he has effectively been like a new signing.

"I haven't worked with Evan for two months, and he has been like a new signing, a breath of fresh air," said Coughlan.

"There's a freshness about us. I thought Evan was excellent today. His tigerish nature, his combativeness and his positional play. He brings that little bit of quality on the ball as well."

The manager also highlighted the commitment McLaughlin showed to get through a demanding shift on his return.

"He was breathing through his backside late on, but he kept saying, 'I'm fine, I'm fine'," Coughlan said.

"To get those minutes out of him epitomises him as a character and how he's looked after himself while he's been out. You don't get 70, 75 or 80 minutes under your belt if you haven't looked after yourself and if you're not an ultimate professional."

Having overseen a marked improvement in performances and atmosphere around the club, Coughlan admitted he is thoroughly enjoying life at Waterford.

"I've loved it since the day I came through the door," he said.

"The people have been brilliant to me. The players have been excellent. They've been working their socks off. The whole environment has changed. There's a brilliant atmosphere about the place."

However, he was quick to warn against any sense of complacency as Waterford look to continue their climb away from danger.

"You've got to keep pushing, keep pressing and keep progressing," he said.

"When you get a bit complacent, football has a naughty habit of coming up behind you and giving you a size nine up the backside."

Coughlan also reserved special praise for the Waterford supporters, who have travelled in numbers throughout a difficult season.

"I think the fans are brilliant," he said.

"To go all the way out to Galway for a five o'clock kick-off and then Dundalk on a Friday night, Derry on a Friday night, you have to take your hats off to them. There are even some space cadets with the flares in Galway, but I think that’s brilliant.

"I hope they all go out tonight, have a good sup and enjoy themselves. Keep backing us because the lads are working their socks off to please them and to turn the season around."