Alan Reynolds leaves Derry City to link up with Waterford FC manager Keith Long

Waterford FC has confirmed the appointment of former player Alan Reynolds as assistant head coach.

Reynolds becomes new boss Keith Long’s number two and brings extensive experience to the Waterford coaching team.

He leaves Derry City after a successful spell as assistant to manager Ruadhrí Higgins, during which the club won the FAI Cup last season. 

Reynolds cited personal reasons as a factor for his return to Waterford, having been working at the opposite end of the country for the last 16 months.

Waterford-born Reynolds has managed the Blues in three previous spells (once as player/manager) and joins having spent the last 16 months as assistant at Derry City.

The former midfielder, who made over 300 appearances for the club, guided the Blues to the First Division title in 2017 and secured a fourth-place Premier Division finish in 2018, before helping Shelbourne to a similar First Division promotion as assistant.

Reynolds is also Republic of Ireland U21 assistant manager under Jim Crawford.

Speaking to WaterfordFC.ie on the appointment, Head Coach Keith Long said: "I’m delighted Alan has joined the club. He’s a coach with fantastic experience from playing and management and will be a big asset to the club.

"He’s a local guy and it’s brilliant that we can bring him back to his local club to help us achieve our goals this season," Long said