Waterford FC has turned to a familiar face in the Irish football scene, appointing Graham Coughlan as their new head coach. The 51-year-old Dubliner brings a wealth of experience from his time managing in England's Football League, most notably at Newport County.

Coughlan's tenure at Rodney Parade from October 2022 to June 2024 saw him guide the Exiles to mid-table finishes in League Two, securing 15th and 18th-place spots. His record in south Wales—33 wins, 22 draws, and 38 defeats—includes a memorable FA Cup run that saw Newport face Manchester United in the fourth round, a 4-2 defeat after a spirited fightback from two goals down.

Since leaving Newport, Coughlan sharpened his reputation as a rescue specialist at Boston United in the National League. Taking over a side in the relegation zone, he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, collecting 20 points from just nine matches to steer the club to safety. That knack for digging teams out of trouble will be put to the test at Waterford, where the Blues currently sit bottom of the League of Ireland Premier Division after 15 games, nine points adrift of ninth-placed Sligo Rovers.

Interestingly, Coughlan was on the touchline for Newport's dramatic final-day survival at Barrow last season, working alongside Barrow boss Sam Foley before departing following the club's relegation. Now, he reunites with former Newport fan favorite Padraig Amond at Waterford, a partnership that chairman Jamie Pilley hopes will spark a turnaround in the Blues' fortunes.