Mahon’s revival rewarded with August Player of the Month accolade

Waterford FC defender John Mahon has been named the SWI/SSE Airtricity Men’s Player of the Month for August, becoming the second successive Blues player to claim the award after Tommy Lonergan’s success in July.

The honour caps a remarkable season for both Mahon and Waterford, who have transformed themselves from relegation candidates into genuine contenders for a top-half finish while also reaching the semi-finals of the FAI Cup.

Since June, Waterford have been among the Premier Division’s form teams, suffering just one league defeat while developing into one of the division’s most consistent sides. Mahon has been central to that revival, producing a string of commanding performances at the heart of the defence.

Speaking after receiving the award, Mahon pointed to the impact manager Graham Coughlan has made since arriving at the RSC.

“We are on a terrific run of form but it’s hard to put my finger on it,” he said.

“Since the gaffer came in that first day at training we could see what he was all about and sometimes the training sessions were actually harder than the games themselves.

“He prepares us well and the way he speaks before a game gets you right up for it. We are on a good run at the moment and hopefully we can keep it going now.” Mahon also spoke about the close working relationship he has developed with Coughlan, who played in the same position during his own career.

“I can feel the love from Graham Coughlan and I know he respects me as a player and that’s why I repay him tenfold,” he said.

“The fact that he played centre-half himself is a help to me and the similarities are there. He has been a massive influence and that’s why I am doing so well at the moment.” The award is especially significant given the adversity Mahon has overcome in recent years.

After leaving Sligo Rovers for a spell with St Johnstone in Scotland, things did not unfold as he had hoped. A serious Achilles injury following his return to the Showgrounds left him questioning both his football career and his future.

“I thought coming back from Scotland would just solve all the problems but my injury expanded them tenfold,” Mahon said.

“I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue playing football but my girlfriend Megan put me in touch with a psychologist.” The defender credits that decision with helping him regain clarity and confidence at a difficult stage of his life.

“That took a weight off my shoulders because I could see clearly again about what I wanted,” he said.

“Come the end of the season, as disappointing as it was to be let go, it was nice to get out of Sligo to test myself somewhere else.” A move to Waterford provided the fresh start he needed and Mahon believes it has allowed him to produce the best form of his career.

“It’s nice to be so far away that you’re separated from Sligo,” he said.

“If I hadn’t visited the psychologist, after the struggles of Scotland when I was out of the team and living alone, then the Waterford decision might have been an issue. But I’ve flourished here, having the best season of my career.” Mahon believes the standards introduced by Coughlan quickly changed the culture within the squad.

“Within the first week of training under Graham, there was some fighting with the players and we knew there was no messing here with him,” he said.

He also singled out experienced defender Kevin Long for praise, describing the former Republic of Ireland international as an important influence on the younger members of the dressing room.

“Seeing the way Kevin trains and plays gives me so much to learn,” said Mahon.

“He could easily have come in as Kevin Long, the international with that bit of ego, but he’s always willing to help me and the younger lads.” Now fully fit and enjoying his football again, Mahon believes he is entering the peak years of his career.

“I have had some bad injuries in the past but I have put all that behind me,” he said.

“I feel I am enjoying the best part of my career at Waterford and long may that continue.

“Every time I go out on the field, I give my all to the team because you are not promised too much in this career. I am 26 now and I am really enjoying my football and I suppose I am reaching a peak.” With Waterford continuing their climb up the Premier Division table and preparing for an FAI Cup semi-final against Bohemians, Mahon believes success in one competition has fuelled confidence in the other.

“Winning breeds confidence in the side and our progression through the various rounds of the FAI Cup to the semi-finals has helped us in terms of our league form and so far we have dovetailed both competitions nicely,” he said.