...:::OLDER NEWS:::...

27-07-01 Blues go down in Dungarvan:The Blues went down 2-1 to Nationwide 3rd division side Darlington tonight at Kilrush Park in Dungarvan. The visitors took the lead through Clint Marcelle, a player who the Darlo fans view a bit like we do Woody-runs around but does very little and rarely scores!! The Blues got back on level terms in the second half when Kevin Whittle latched on to a cross to head home a well worked goal but Darlington regained the lead through Mellanby with a fine strike shortly afterwards. It was a good workout for the Blues although they never reached the level of performance shown last Sunday against Rovers. The central midfield spot still seems to be causing PP some headaches with no fewer than 8 players having filed the 2 spots since the season began, Cashin, Scully, Davy Walsh, Kev O'Brien, Alan O'Brien, Kev Whittle, Thomas Fitzgerald and Colin Delahunty have all played there, so the partnership that will start the season is still anyone's guess. One player missing from the action today was Eric Bradley whose future with the Blues is still in doubt as he is hoping to get a scholarship to America, should we lose Big Eric it would be a huge loss as he is definitely one of our best strikers and ooked very dangerous with Hunty last Sunday, who by the way looked excellent again tonight and looks to have everything neded to make it at this level. Finally, we at BTID are sure we speak for all Blues fans when we offer our deepest sympathies to Paul Scully and his family on the death of his mother-Ar Dheis Dé Go Raibh Sí

22-07-01 Good start for Blues:The Blues got their pre-season campaign off to a flying start today with a 2 goal victory over Shamrock Rovers at Ozier Park. The Blues defence had a familiar look to it with Whittle and Rea palynig in the centre, Frosty and Kev O'Brien at full backs and Fennelly looking solid in goal. Paul Cashin was partnered by Paul Scully in the centre of the park with Muddy Waters on the left and new signing David Moore impressing on the right. Moore who spent two seasons with Celtic is from Cork and seems to have a nice touch on the ball and is willing to put himself about a bit despite his relatively small size, definitely one to watch. Up front it was like every pre-season seeing Woody there but this time he was joined by Thomas Fitzgerald from Carrick. Young Fitzgerald got stuck in right from the off and was booked midway through the first half for a 2 footed tackle on Pat Scully, he still looked a bit raw but with a few games under his belt at this level he will improve. Woody meanwhile was his usual self running everywhere but getting onto very little, though he did have one half chance midway through the first half which he put wide. Neither side had any real chances for the rest of the half and Stephen Grant was booked for Rovers as Damien Richardson became more and more frustrated at referee Jimmy O'Neill's decisions and by the end of the half it seemed that O'Neill had pleased neither team as Paul Cashin had to be stopped from arguing with the ref by Brendan Rea. United introduced four substitutes at half time, new keeper Paul Binder replaced Fenners and while he didn't have much to do he did seem a bit slow to come off his line for crosses but we won't judge him this early. Squeeler Walsh came in to replace Paul Scully in the middle and looked fairly solid while Eric Bradley and Noel Hunt led the line for t he second half. And it was a partnership which yielded immediate dividends as the Blues looked much more dangerous coming forward and Hunt's liveliness and Bradley's strength worked well together and it didn't take Hunt long to get the ball in the net but on this occasion it was ruled out for offside. But on the 75th minute Hunt picked up a Cashin ball on the edge of the box as everyone seemed to stop and wait for the offside flag which never came and Hunt tucked the ball away low to the keepers left from 12 yards. Hunt was again involved in the Blues second goal when he juggled the ball twice before palying a perfectly timed ball to Ian Barry who had come on to the left wing to replace Waters(as did Alan O'Brien for David Moore on the right) who took a couple of touches to keep ahead of the chasing defender and hit a dipping shot from outside the area which beat the keeper and dipped under the crossbar to make it 2. Rovers had one or two half chances but the Blues defence never looked in too much trouble. All in all PP will have been happy with this workout and some of the new players have done their chances no harm at all. Damien Richardson was also said to be impresed with the local sides performance especially those of goalscorers Barry and Hunt.

14-07-01 2 will become 1:John Delaney will be appointed the FAI Treasurer at the associations AGM in Cork on Saturday after the withdrawal of his only opposition Bill Attley. However while this is great news for John Delaney, who will be following in his fathers footsteps,it leaves the Blues boardroom even more empty that it had been with chairman Ger O'Brien being the only remaining member of the board. It is to be hoped that a new board will be in place as quickly as possible to keep the running of the club as smooth as possible(if smooth running of an eL club is possible!!)

06-07-01 Increased fire power for Blues:The Blues have added what many will see as some much needed firepower for their upcoming assault on the eL 1st division. It comes in the shape of local youngster Ian Barry. Barry, who began with local side Hibs has spent the last couple of seasons in England with Sunderland but was snapped up by PP on his return to Ireland. Ian featured briefly but did manage to get on the scoresheet in the end of season friendly against AC Menaggio. Other players who have been involved in training and may feature in the coming season are former Kilkenny player Davy Walsh from Waterford Crystal, John Paul Jacob from Southend, Michael Heffernan from Johnville and Thomas Fitzgerald from double winners Carrick. While former Celtic player David Moore from Cork may be another new face at the RSC. Moore is a 19 year old midfielder who spent 2 years with Celtic. There are also rumours that the Blues may be interested in Cobh's Pat Keane(Roy's brother)

28-06-01 Blue Flag Flying:The annual eircom League awards were presented at the Alexander Hotel last night, and it was good news for the Blues who managed to pick up the fair play award for being the cleanest team in the first division. In other news David Breen was awarded the official player of year the at a ceremony in Jury's where it was announced that GK Print will be next years sponsors

21-06-01 New Keeper ?:The Blues have supposedly signed a nineteen year old keeper from Northampton as of now we know nothing of this keeper but are trying to find out, does anyone know? this throws a couple of questions into the fray, whats wrong with Fennelly and has PP decided that he does not want an all local team after all ? Keep with BTID Online for all the latest news

19-06-01 Dublin Blues:Fancy playing for the Blues?? If you have always wanted to play for Waterford, but have never quite had what it takes now's your chance to line out with the unmistakable three ships on your shirt. The Waterford United supporters Club in Dublin have established a football team in the AUL Saturday league division 2A. It there are any Waterford fans living or working in the Dublin area then contact james.ryan9@mail.dcu.ie for details on how you can play for the 'Waterford Blues'. Whether you have two left feet, or you fancy yourself as the next Roy Keane we don't care. It's all about getting together with some friends and having a bit of a laugh to increase support for our beloved Blues (and having a few pints), who knows we might even win a few games. Everyone is welcome from all ages, races, sexes, colours(once its Blue) and creeds. Even if you aren't interested in playing, drop us a line to join the Waterford Blues supporters club in Dublin. With a proper supporters club in place we hope to be able to arrange trips to Blues matches from Dublin, as well as other events and fundraisers. This is a chance for Waterford exiles to get together and help make the Blues the great team we all know they are. Your club needs you, so get off the couch, pull on a blues jersey and get out there and kick some Dubs in the ankles! Cheers, Jamie

16-06-01 Good News ? Whats that ?:After a few days of heart-break and anger for almost all Blues fans there finally seems to be some good luck for the Blues and their loyal fan base.The news that despite a keen interest from Shamrock Rovers, David Breen has signed a new 2 year deal with the Blues, David currently leads the BTID player of the year of the current crop of players after runaway leaders Alan Reynolds and Alan Kirby left for greener pastures, we are hoping for a few more performances like last year from "breener" in the coming tough season.Paul Power has said that he is not happy with losing our two star players earlier in the week, and according to the Star newspaper he feels "the eL are failing provisional clubs".News Also that John Delany may be leaving his post as director to be treasurer at the FAI headquarters, rumours are abound that his father Joe Delany may be taking over as Director of the Blues in the near future.

14-06-01 Dramatic day for Blues:In what has been one of the most dramatic days at Waterford United for manys the day,the club have, within 24 hours, lost two of their most influential players, Alan Kirby and Alan Reynolds, to our cup conquerers Longford Town and now find themselves without a chairman after Michael Finnegan, who has held the positin for about 3 years,stepped down and retired from the board "due to business commitments". In a statement released this afternoon the club went on to say that director Ger O'Brien will act as interim chairman and that they are in talks with various people with a view to forming a new board of directors. On the playing side Alan Reynolds has signed a 1 year contract with Longford and the club will receive no fee as he is eligible to leave under the Bosman ruling while the fee for Alan Kirby on which the clubs can't agree is now likely to be decided by tribunal.

14-06-01 Kirby for Free ?:Alan Kirby insists that he is free to leave Waterford without the club demanding a fee, in a row that has sparked a disagreement between the PFAI and the eircom League. And - oddly - it is Kirby's age that is responsible for the mess. The PFAI and the League agreed at the end of last year that any player aged 24 or more could move to another club from January 1st, 2001 to another club if he were out of contract. The players' association agree with Kirby that he can leave Waterford United on a free transfer. The midfielder is 24 on the 9th of September. However, the League are insisting that clubs are entitled to a fee for an out-of-contract player unless the player in question was 24 or older on the 1st of January rather than after it. Longford Town have already to spoken to Kirby about a move and they are reported to be offering him a very attractive wage. Cork City have also been linked with the Blues ace. From www.EircomLeague.net

14-06-01 Rennie has left the RSC:There have been today unconfirmed reports that Alan Reynolds has signed for Longford Town FC, not content with taking our midfield maestro Alan Kirby, the Lonford men set their eyes on Rennie a while ago.Talks are still ongoing however with Kirby bt it is presumed now that Rennie has left that he will soon follow suit, the asking price has however dropped from £25,000 but not to the disgracefull and inexplicable offer of £8,000 from Longford.IT HAS JUST BEEN CONFIRMED THAT RENNIE HAS BEEN SIGNED BY LONGFORD

26-05-01 Kirby on his way out????:One of the main talking points for Blues fans during the Summer break has been whether star midfielder Alan Kirby would stay with the club for the forthcoming season, having been linked with bigger clubs at many times since the Blues relegation just over 12 months ago and now it seems as though these rumours may become fact, but not in the shape of a transfer to the Blues Munster rivals Cork City as many expected but to the Blues cup semi final conquerors-Longford Town. Although the club haven't made any official statement either way, rumours are rife that Longford(whose interest was reported in this weeks Waterford News & Star) have made a very tempting offer to the former underage international and that he will be lining out in the their red and black stripes next season.Kirby,who was shortlisted for this seasons first division player of the year, would doubtlessly love another taste of the Premier Division and a chance to play in Europe. In other transfer rumours PP is believed to be making enquiries about a couple of players from recently crowned Waterford Premier Division champions Carrick,including a goalkeeper and a striker.

26-05-01 New Fixtures Announced:The eircom League fixtures for the 2001/02 season have been announced and the Blues face a hectic and testing start in their attempt to rejoin the countries elite in the Premier Division. They will start with a home game against recently relegated and league favourites Finn Harps on the week ending 12th August followed by a trip to this years 4th place side Sligo Rovers on the week ending 19th August. One fixture which is bound to be keenly anticipated by all Blues fans is the first league meeting with Kilkenny "Town" since the 96/97 season and that one is down for decision on the week ending Aug. 26th in Buckley Park. The season will end earlier than usual-on the 31st March and the Blues final league game will be against Dublin City(formerly Home Farm)at the RSC.The reason for the early finish is to allow for the introduction of Summer Soccer as the 2001/02 season will be followed by a shortened season runnig from July to December which will be followed in 2003 by the eL's first season of summer soccer which will run from March to November/December. Two final points of interest are that the FAI Cup will begin for eL clubs this year with the second round on December 16th and finish with the final 0n April 7th and the League Cup will revert to a knock out competition this year and will be regionalised(presumably using the FAI's own unique style for doing these things that means we could end up with anyone from KK to Galway or beyond).The full fixture list will appear on the site shortly.

26-05-01 Ooh Aah 12-1:Waterford United decked out in a horrible orange emsemble decked the italian outfit from Me3nagio 12-1, the game was watched by the mayor of Menagio, Luciano Pavorotti and Alex Ferguson.Paul McGrath played for both sides whereas his son Chris who plays with Liverpool in england started for Menagio

21-05-01 Rennie for Rovers:An anonymous source has tipped off BTID that Alan Reynolds is supposedly being chased by Damien Richardson of Shamrock Rovers this would be a huge loss to the Blues and it is unsure wheather Rennie would take the offer seeing as he would not like another season in the first division.The Plot Thickens

17-05-01 Italian Irish Hero:Waterford United have arranged a friendly match with A.C. Minaggio of Italy (just outside Milan) to be staged in the RSC on Saturday week at 5pm. The Italian team will start with son of the famous irish hero and also Liverpool Youth Chris McGrath, with the possiblity of the great defender himself, Paul McGrath joining in. This event is hoped to draw a great crowd to the RSC just preceeding the Portugal under-21 game. There has been a plea made from the club for anyone who can, to come up with ideas on how to help to club in any way especially financially. If you think you can improve the Blues in any way then just contact the club

17-05-01 Navy-ish 'Till i Die:the blues will shed there all Blue image of this season for a more "modern" Blue Navy and white emsemble next season, as of now i have only seen the jersey so i dont know the colour of the rest of the kit ( i presume it will be blue ) but the kit is identical to the jersey of Middlesboro playing in the english premiershi* except of course in blue, with a navy and white stripe across the middle.The jerseys will supposedly offer the players more comfort and the club are hoping that the jerseys will sell well.The away kit is identical in all but colour, it will as usuall be white with blue and navy.

15-05-01 Tough Times Ahead:This website has gotten word that almost all the Blues players have agreed to or actually have signed up for next season, this is an early boost for Paul Power ahead of what will possibly be the toughest division one ever. Next season will see the arrival of Finn Harps and possibly U.C.D. to an already tough division where the lower teams are constantly putting structures in place and next season expect to be fighting for promotion with Finn Harps, Sligo ,one of U.C.D. or Athlone and add to these three big sides the likes of Limerick who have shown that they are a match for any side, add a bit of consistency and they are a real threat next season.Then there's the likes of Drogheda and Cobh, WHAT!!! surely not i mean they didnt even challenge this year, well you might think that but just look at Longford, from bottom of the first division to Europe in just 3 seasons, anything caan happen, i cant really see Cobh posing a threat but Drogheda know the league well, this season they did not spend at all meaning that next season they will have a bit extra to help them in the league. Then you have Home Farm Fingal who are undergoing a full facelift and will compete next season as Dublin City FC, surely with this facelift will come major sponsorship and the possibility of promotion.Thats everyone who is really in with a chance............oh wait of course there is our neighbouring friends Kilkenny Town again anything can happen with this side we will just have to wait and see next year.So a tough season ahead that is really the only guarantee and also when above we said that almost everyone was going to sign, well what about next season without Alan Kirby , it is only a rumour at the moment but sources close to this site and the club have predicted that he may not be at the Blues next season. Bring on the 'Francis thats what i say.

14-05-01 Nightmare in Mels Park:The Blues will have to suffer another year of heartache in the first division after failing to beat the midlanders, Athlone Town. On a day when Home Farm Fingal did exactly what we wanted when they beat Sligo(congratulations to Richie Parsons on hitting his 100th league goal)we just couldnt score against "the town" There were only a couple of chances throughout the game but some of those chances were gilt edged and maybe with a bit of luck we could be preparing for a play-off right now. A lot of talk was made of the managers interview before the game in which he stated clearly that he didnt want to go up, what do you think of this please leave your views on our message board.

12-05-01 Blues V Athlone-Live Upates:There will be live updates of all tonights games, including the Blues crucial trip to St Mels Park and the other games that will decide our fate, available on the internet from kick off time, to access the updates CLICK HERE

09-05-01 BTID scoops award:Just ten days after the relaunch of this website and we have already won an award. All at BTID feel honoured to accept the Eircom League Onlinewebsite of the week award. The eircom league online website is the best eircom league website around it is constantly updated and has huge viewing figures, so we are delighted to have them notice our site, to view the pick of this week from eircom league online, CLICK HERE Alternatively go to our homepage and click on the link to Johnny Wards great site.

09-05-01 New Jerseys ???: The Blues players and have been recently seen sporting new ERRA gear and this is a shock to some people as the Blues supposedly had a two year deal with the current gear makers. For this reason the Blues decided to get rid of the sponsorship because they said that when the "same" jerseys have new sponsors on the the old Bus Eireann Jerseys will be out of date. It seems likely now that the Blues will have new gear next season, it became obvious at the fundraiser where everything was made by Erra, but surely this will cost the club if they had a deal with Azzurri. We would like to see the Blues follow the trend set by Finn Harps last season when the supporters were given a choice of 4 different styles of jerseys and they're choice became theclubs kit.No matter what they're wearing though make sure you get there on saturday to support the Blues.

08-05-01 Bohs Seeded: Bohs have been seeded for the Qualifying stages of the Champions League this means that bohs will only have to win two games next season to gain entry to this huge competition this is due to them beating Kaiserslautern 1-0 away as well as beating Aberdeen in the previous round, see the full story here -> Boh's Seeded

08-05-01 Limerick may put pay to promotion chances: It has been made known today that Limerick have stated to the football association of Ireland that they will only be able to field and understrength U-21 side against Monaghan a move which again throws the Blues' promotion hopes into dissarray, a bit of a bummer for the boss eh!, or so you would think but according to annonymous sources this isnt the way it is.The Blues have failed to appeal this decision by Limerick whereas both Sligo and Athlone have, do the Blues want to go up. The Blues boss has said all season that we are not ready to go up but surely now that Finn Harps have been relegated it is going to be a much tougher league next season, their form over recent months have shown that they are worth a place in the Premier another fact which will not come easily to some blues fans is the fact that there will only be 1 autoimatic promotion place next season, making it a lot harder for the Blues to go up. In fairness you only get better by playing the best so c'mon Blues lets attack this league and get up now when we can, altogether now "Limerick 'till Full-Time, i'm Limerick 'till Full-Time".

07-05-01 Bus To Athlone:A gripping final day to the season is guaranteed for first division followers as any 2 of 4 can get a place in the premier next season.Here are the aarangements tubby has made.Bus to Athlone Town on Saturday night kick off 7.30pm Plan 1 Leave RSC 2pm stop in Portlaoise at 4pm for Second half and extra time of FA Cup final Liverpool V Arsenal Travel on to Athlone then. Plan 2 Leave at 3pm go straight to Athlone please let me know how many and which plan you would opt for. thanks Tubby (ring 087-6302078 to put your name down)* This is now dependant on time of game on saturday,well done FAI

06-05-01 Premier Title for Bohs:Few can deny that Bohemians were the best team this season after the brilliant Gypsies conquered the eircom League at Buckley Park this afternoon. The Dubliners were 5-0 winners over Kilkenny City and Cork City did them the ultimate favour by beating Shelbourne 1-0 at Tolka Park. Kilkenny, who were absolutely awful, managed to hold Bohs until the 31st minute, when Dave Morrison made it 1-0 for the visitors with a great strike. Just 17 seconds after half time, Glen Crowe made it 2-0 and soon afterwards his chip hit the bar, before Trevor Molloy headed home the rebound. Mark Rutherford added another before Crowe broke Jonathan Speak's record of Premier Division goals in a season by making it 5-0; it was his 25th goal this season. The final whistle was greeted somewhat mutely, as the Gypsies waited to hear the score at Tolka Park. Ollie Cahill scored Cork's only goal just before half time as a disappointing Shels went down 1-0. The Reds hit the crossbar twice, with Richie Foran - playing in possibly his last game for the Drumcondra outfit - heading off the woodwork with 13 minutes left. The result leaves Shels two points behind Bohemians, and Cork qualify for the Intertoto Cup. Afterwards, an ecstatic Roddy Collins confessed that the result had not sunk in, but he warned his players that the upcoming FAI Cup final against Longford Town awaits yet. The Bohs boss expressed glee at the fact that he had proved many "off the field" doubters wrong. It was Bohs' first title in 23 years. Sadly, Finn Harps will be playing in the First Division next season. Despite beating Longford Town 2-1 at Finn Park, it was not enough for Jonathan Speak's men as UCD won in Galway. Longford were not there merely to make up the numbers and they went ahead just after the hour mark when Alan Murphy slotted home following a good counter attack. However, within six minutes Johnny Kenny made it 1-1 with a superb strike, and Niall Bonner prompted wild celebrations in Ballybofey with an injury time winner. News had filtered through to Finn Park that Galway United had equalised against UCD and that it was 2-1; Speak himself threw his fist in the air after the final whistle. Amazingly though, the joy turned to utter desolation at the ground when the real story from Terryland Park emerged. There, a battling UCD beat Galway United 2-1, courtesy of goals by Eoin Bennis and veteran Derek Swan. Bennis put College ahead after 13 minutes with a sweet strike, before Galway equalised after a fantastic move through Daragh Sheridan four minutes shy of the interval. The home side were woefully limited in attacking options, and they were bettered again by the visitors in the second half. Swan, who was brought out of retirement by UCD boss Martin Moran only a few months ago, latched on to a John Martin pass just before the hour mark to score. UCD finish a solitary point ahead of Finn Harps, and they now will face any one of Waterford, Athlone, Monaghan or Sligo in the promotion/relegation playoff. Bray Wanderers showed their class by beating St Patrick's Athletic 4-1 at the Carlisle Grounds, but it was not enough for a European place because of Bohemians' winning the League. Martin Russell put the Saints ahead after 13 minutes, though they were lucky to go in ahead at half time after dominance by the home team. However, in the second half Wanderers turned on the style, with Mick Doohan netting twice; Jason Byrne and Colm Tresson scored one each to finish a supeb season for the promoted club. The only game of no relevance at all at the Morton Stadium ended in a 3-2 win for Derry City over Shamrock Rovers. Just before half time, Terry Palmer put the Hoops ahead, but Liam Coyle made it 1-1 with a typically brilliant strike from outside the box after 52 minutes. Tony Grant made it 2-1 to the hosts with 19 minutes left, but a Darren McCready penalty two minutes later, and a late Peter Hutton goal made it an enjoyable trip home for Derry.(from www.eircomleague.net)

05-05-01 Live Winners:The Blues beat Sligo 3-1 tonight live on this site. For the first time ever live updates from the game including stats were online live to check out all the stats check out LIVE BLUES

04-05-01 Live Blues:The Waterford United versus Sligo match due to be played on Saturday at 6:30 will have live updates broadcast from a link on this site.In a new innitiative by eircom league fans all over ireland and abroad Live updates will be given for every match possible in the eircom league. The online end of this game (Blues v Sligo) will be done by one of the editors of BTID whilst the other end(person at the match) is yet to be decided. Live updates will try to include all the goings on in the game,even the half time draw

02-05-01 Fame for BTID:BTID was mentioned in the Munster Express recently, thanks to the editor John O'Conor for the support and his report, the full editorial can be seen HERE BTID section around half way down the page

29-04-01 Two Wood Chips in:Barry Wood showed today why he is a crowd favorite(its not coz he's scottish is it)and even acknowledged his loyal fans after a great second goal.This was really a game for the fans with a first goal for the Blues for Big Brendan Rea, and Wood striking twice.The reception was unbelievable when the Blues came out, the crowd wasnt big but the atmosphere was stomach churning as the players got a standing ovation from the blues fans for both there Cup exploits and their hard work all season.So 3-0 full report to come soon

27-04-01 Cup dreams blown by McKeown:The Blue Army were sent all the way home from Longford last night with only memories of this seasons great cup run.Most of the huge travelling support didnt even get to see the incident which can be regarded as none other than dubious, because they were situated towards the other end of the ground.There is no need to prolong the agony by talking about this, so if you want your view known post it on our message board.Just a quick point to note that there was about thirty stewards protecting the referee on his way off the pitch, lets just say he has already earned himself top spot on the i hate billy clery page

26-4-01 Semi-final Team news: Paul Power is still unsure as to whether influential captain Alan Reynolds will be available for tonight's FAI Cup Semi Final replay. The club are investigating the possibility of the 2 match ban being pushed back to next season but must plan without him until they find out otherwise, he will be replaced by paul Cashin if he is not given a reprieve.Centre back David Breen is facing a race against time to be fit for the game.The young defender is rated by Blues trainer Paddy Ryan to have an 80-20 chance of being involved and will face a late fitness test. The only other worry for boss Power is Kevin Waters who is suffering from a slight hamstring strain but is expected to have no problem lining out. Meanwhile Eric Bradley is back in contention having come through a training session last night with no adverse reaction.

24-4-01 Selection Headache for Power: Blues boss Paul Power will have to plan without two of his most important players for the FAI Cup Semi-Final replay in Longford on Thursday night. Captain Alan Reynolds is suspended and although the club have appealed the suspension it is expected that the Tramore man will not be available. Meanwhile centre back David Breen picked up a knock in the first half of the drawn game which has since worsened and looks unlikely to play. On the positive side Power is hoping to have Wexford youngster Eric Bradley available for selection again after the striker just failed to recover from a hamstring injury in time for Sunday. It is likely that, should he be fit he will come into the attack with Brendan Rea returning to the centre of defence. With Rennie out, player-assistant manager Paul Cashin and young Paul Leahy come into contention for the midfield spot as does Tony Scully who could play wide on the right if Kirby was moved to a central position.

22/4/01 Brave Blues robbed by diabolical decision: An inexplicable penalty decision by Dublin referee Paul McKeon cost Waterford United a place in the FAI cup final today, although given that longford dominated the second half and the Blues missed some great chances in the first half neither team will be too unhappy with a replay on Thursday. The Blues belied their first division status and took the game to their Premier opponents from the kick-off. The opening goal arrived on 9 minutes when Aaron Moroney latched onto a ball played behind the Longford defence and squared the ball towards Brendan Rea who failed to connect but the ball rolled through to Longford's Stephen Gavin who turned it into his own net from twelve yards. The Blues could have doubled their lead but Aaron Moroney fired straight at keeper Stephen O'Brien when in a one on one situation and Kevin Waters was played through a few minutes later but he placed his chip over to the keeper just to the right of the upright. Then came the decision which changed the game, Colin Notaro took the ball into the box where he brushed up against David Whittle and the ref pointed to the spot to the disbelief of the home support. Despite the protests Paul McNally calmly put the ball to Fennelly's right to square things.Longford came out for the second half all guns blazing and will consider themselves unlucky not to have taken one of their chances but a combination of good luck and good goalkeeping kept the ball out. The game then fizzled out for the middle 20 minutes or so of the half and in the last 5 minutes the Blues created one or two chances but never came as close as any earlier chances.

20-4-01 Kirby & Breen Rewarded: Both Alan Kirby and David Breen have been rewarded for their performances for the Blues this season by being named in the First Division team of the year while Kirby has also been shortlisted for first division player of the year. The other nominees are Andy Myler (Athlone Town) and Martin Reilly (Dundalk). Added to Paul Power's recent Park Hotel Sportstar of the Month award this will give the Blues a timely lift on the eve of their FAI Cup Semi Final with Longford.

14-4-01 Easy win for Blues: Waterford United tonight set themselves up nicely for next weeks cup semi final with Longford by putting 4 goals past a woeful Drogheda side. Paul Cashin a first half substitute for Rennie gave the Blues the lead minutes before half time and the lead was added to by a David Breen header, a jinking run and shot from the edge of the box by Frosty(nearly stolen by Woody) and a Moroney penalty after he himself had been fouled. Alan Kirby had earlier missed a penalty midway through the first half.

10-4-01 Promotion hopes dashed: The Blues promotion hopes were dashed tonight at the RSC when, for the fourth time this season, they failed to beat Dundalk. The Blues dominated the first period but couldn't make the breakthrough and created only the odd half chance. But the game exploded into life within a couple of minutes of the restart when Aaron Moloney was felled in the box and Alan Kirby dispatched the penalty to put the home side 1-0 up. However their lead lasted for only 30 seconds until Brendan Rea handled the ball on the line and was given his marching orders and Dundalk converted the resulting penalty and they proceeded to go 2-1 up when the Blues failed to clear and XXXXXX shot past fennelly from the edge of the box. Despite the numerical disadvantage the Blues continued to look the better side and can count themselves unlucky not to have taken anything from the game with Rennie hitting the post and Breener coming close with an overhead kick in the closing stages.

8-4-01 Blues back to winning ways: Waterford United returned to winning ways in the eircom League first division today with a 2-0 victory over St.Francis in John Hyland Park,Baldonnel. The Blues goals came from full back John Frost in the 33rd minute and returning striker Eric Bradley 14 minutes from time. This result was even more important given todays other result with Monaghan hammering leaders Dundalk by 4 goals to nil and Atlone's draw with Drogheda on Friday night. Dundalk are the next visitors to the RSC on Tuesday night and the game will have a 7pm kick off. As yet it is unclear as to whether this game will be open to the fans or played behind closed doors, the club are awiating confirmation from the FAI which could come as late as Tuesday morning. If the game is open to fans it is undestood that cup semi final tickets will be available at this game and Saturday's against Drogheda, the tickets will initially go on sale to season ticket holders up to and including the Drogheda game. Confirmation is still awaited on a date for the semi although it looks as though it may be played on the Sunday after Easter providing there is no replay in the outstanding quarter final

3-4-01 Blues must wait for semi opposition: Following todays FAI Cup Semi Final draw Waterford United are still waiting to find out who their opponents will be. The Blues were first out,drawn by Milo Corcoran and so will have home advantage, they will play the winners of the Portmarnock V Longford Quarter Final which has been scheduled for Easter Sunday.In the other semi Bohs will have home advantage against rivals Shamrock Rovers in a game scheduled for Good Friday.