'There has obviously been a big turnaround since Graham came in'
Evan McLaughlin is looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead against Shelbourne.
Written off by many after failing to win any of their opening 16 league games, Waterford have staged a remarkable revival under Graham Coughlan and head into the final day of the season with their SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division future firmly in their own hands.
The Blues travel to Tolka Park on Friday evening to face Shelbourne knowing they can secure their top-flight status by taking care of their own business with a win or a draw, but defender Evan McLaughlin says that remains the sole focus within the camp.
"You never really know what can happen in football, but we'll just have to look after ourselves," he said.
"We'll go into this game as we've gone into every other week and try to pick up three points. If we look after ourselves, then everything else will be alright."
While Waterford's recent upturn in fortunes has eased some of the pressure that surrounded the club for much of the campaign, McLaughlin admits there was a feeling of relief within the squad after last week's results.
"There has obviously been a big relief from the players and there's been a big turnaround since Graham came in," he said.
"He's turned the place on its head, really, to be honest.
"But the job's not fully done, so we'll be looking to pick up another three points and try to get as high up the table as possible."
Few would have predicted Waterford would find themselves in this position midway through the season.
An opening sequence of 16 league matches without a victory left the Blues rooted near the bottom of the table and facing a daunting fight for survival.
However, the arrival of Coughlan sparked a dramatic turnaround, with Waterford climbing away from trouble on the back of an impressive unbeaten run.
"You don't give yourself much of a chance if you don't pick up a win in 16 games," McLaughlin reflected.
"But that all changed when Graham came in. We went on a good unbeaten run and we've been unbeaten over the last few weeks as well, so we'll be looking to bring that into the end of the season."
That resurgence has helped foster a confidence throughout the squad that McLaughlin believes allows Waterford to approach every game positively, regardless of the opposition.
"We don't really fear anyone, to be honest," he said.
"Obviously that's the mindset Graham has given us.
"We just take every week as it comes. It doesn't really matter who we're playing against. We go into games full of confidence every week, as everyone can probably see."
McLaughlin was also quick to acknowledge the role Waterford's supporters have played throughout a season that has featured both disappointment and revival.
The Blues have enjoyed strong backing both at home and on the road, with large travelling numbers following the team during some of their most important fixtures of the campaign.
"They've been brilliant from the start of the season, to be honest, and they've stuck by us through the good and the bad," he said.
"Even when we hadn't won in 16 games, they were still showing up.
"They've been brilliant and obviously it makes it a bit easier when we're winning.
"The place is bouncing every week whether we're home or away and it's brilliant for the players. They give us a big push."
With one final hurdle remaining, Waterford know the equation is simple. After a season that appeared destined for disappointment, survival remains within their grasp and McLaughlin insists the Blues will travel to Tolka Park with confidence, belief and a determination to finish the job.
