New season kicks off with local derby

The 2010 Airtricity League of Ireland season kicks off tonight with Wexford Youths travelling to the RSC to take on local rivals Waterford United with a 7.45pm kick-off.

There have been numerous changes to both teams during the winter break, most notably with the Youths. Wexford supremo Mick Wallace has stepped down as first team manager and handed the ropes to Limerick man Noel O’ Connor. O’Connor was Wallace’s assistant last season and also filled in as first team coach on several occasions when Wallace was abroad with the underage sides.

Wallace always said that he would step down after three seasons to concentrate on the development of the youth teams and we all know that he’s a man of his word.

O’Connor has lost a few key players from last year’s impressive season. Ex-captain Conor Sinnott has made the move to Inchicore by joining Premier League side St. Patrick’s Athletic. While the ever dependable Peter White has made the move back to Limerick and will be missed after his fantastic season at Ferrycarrig. O’Connor has added Anthony Wolfe and Dean Broaders to the squad.

Waterford has also gone through some squad changes since last season. Hard hitting defender Kenny Browne has left for Sporting Fingal and keeper Michael Davine and goal machine Graham Cummins have also left the club. Manager Stephen Henderson has resigned John Hayes and promoted Gary Keane from the U20’s. While also signing Chris Konopka, Gareth Cambridge, Timmy Purcell, Liam Kearney and James O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan is one to keep an eye on this season as the Tipperary native midfielder was rumoured to be attracting attention from numerous Premier League sides.

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