Pilley commits to Waterford FC, admitting 'failings' during 2025 season

Waterford FC owner Jamie Pilley was happy to commit to the Blues’ cause when he met with the fans last Thursday night ahead of the 2026 SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division season opener against Shelbourne.

Despite delays due to the weather, Pilley, along with Fleetwood Group Secretary Will Watt, made it to Bank Lane in the city for the get-together, where over two hundred fans turned up to hear from the owner, along with manager Jon Daly and players like Conan Noonan, Tommy Lonergan and Sam Glenfield.

EXCITED AND CONFIDENT 

And they had to be pleased with the commitment from the club’s hierarchy.

“I'm excited, confident that we've built a good squad full of talent that's got League of Ireland experience and ready for the season to kick off,” commented the owner.

“I think if you reflect on last season, it was a failure in all divisions.

“I think the preparation we've done for this season has been totally different. I feel like we're a lot better prepared and we're ready to go.” And he claims that they will not be found wanting in adding to the squad ahead of the transfer deadline later in the month.

“We're definitely still a few players short, so still busy away trying to make those things happen. Obviously need a first-choice right-back, which we've not acquired just yet.

“Missed out on a couple of big names that have ended up at some of the European clubs, but really pleased with the business we've done. I think we've signed one of the best players in the league to add to our team in Conan Noonan. Some real good talent in the likes of Evan McLaughlin and John Mahon and other numerous players so we've got some solid League of Ireland experience.” 

FULLY COMMITTED 

And while there may not be the resources that are available to the other bigger clubs, Pilley was keen to acknowledge that he is fully committed to the club.

“Yes, absolutely. Of course it is,” when pressed about having a 100% commitment to supporting and fully backing Waterford.

“I think we've got to be conscious of what the other clubs in this league are doing, namely some of the Dublin teams that are in Europe. They are really splashing the cash.

Even the likes of Shelbourne signing Will Jarvis today for a nominal fee. Obviously beat the League of Ireland transfer record earlier in the window for Odhran Casey from Cliftonville. We've signed some great players, but other teams have done as well.

It's going to be down to ourselves to be organised and ready for what's to come.” And Pilley was happy to underline his ambition for the club.

“You've got to try and crack into that closed group of European clubs. It's hard to do that. It's a bit of a chicken-and-egg scenario. You need to get the European money to get us to Europe, but you've got to be in Europe to get the European money.

“That's one of the conundrums we've got to unravel. That's over to John and his backroom staff to get the squad we've recruited firing to the best of their abilities, and fingers crossed we get the rub of the green throughout the season and can pop ourselves in.”

AIR OF EXCITEMENT

And while the excitement of a new campaign is enough to inspire, Pilley was also realistic in understanding how tough this league is going to be.

“No, I'm really excited for the season. I think it's probably the strongest Premier Division side I've seen since I've been in Ireland. Even the likes of Galway, who people are already tipping to be relegation favourites. We've got to remember they've got one of the best managers that this league's seen over the last 10 or 20 years, John Caulfield. You certainly can't write teams like that off.

And Dundalk, I think they've done some shrewd business. I think every team in the league is a stronger version of themselves.” And as the league kicks off, there are still thoughts on how it might all shape up, particularly given the experience of the past two seasons, where early starts were positive but later displays cost Waterford dearly.

“I think the last two seasons, we've started like a house on fire. We've ended up being top of the league both seasons, after four or five games. But we've got to continue that form.

We've got to drag it into the last stages of the season. We can't go on seven-game losing streaks like we did in the last few years. We've got to eradicate that.

So, yes, we're ready to go. We're built with a good team that will compete in this league and, fingers crossed, we can get a good start.”