Waterford FC Secure Republic of Ireland Veteran Kevin Long in Bid to Shore Up Defence
Waterford, Ireland – March 16, 2026 – Waterford FC has announced the signing of former Republic of Ireland international Kevin Long, a move lauded as a “great coup” for the struggling Premier Division side. The 35-year-old defender joins the club after a spell with Toronto FC and will bring considerable experience to a team currently bottom of the league and without a win this season.
The signing comes after a particularly heavy defeat for Waterford, a 5-0 loss to Dundalk on Friday. Richie Towell, speaking on the RTÉ Soccer Podcast, acknowledged Long’s quality but cautioned that he can’t single-handedly fix Waterford’s defensive woes, noting the team has conceded a “ridiculous” amount of goals. Paul Corry, also on the podcast, suggested the move signals a shift in Waterford’s recruitment strategy, moving away from a purely attack-minded approach. Long’s arrival is expected to provide a much-needed experienced presence in the heart of the Waterford defence. He was capped 17 times for Ireland between 2017 and 2020 and previously played in the Premier League for Burnley.
Waterford FC Secures Experienced Defender Kevin Long in Crucial Defensive Boost
Waterford FC has announced the signing of Republic of Ireland international Kevin Long, a move lauded as a “great coup” for the struggling Premier Division club. The 35-year-old defender joins the Blues following a stint with Toronto FC and brings a wealth of experience to a team currently at the bottom of the league table.
Addressing a Porous Defence
Waterford currently holds the distinction of being the only team in the top flight without a win this season. Their recent 5-0 defeat to Dundalk highlighted significant defensive vulnerabilities, prompting manager Jon Daly to seek an experienced head to shore up the backline. Richie Towell, speaking on the RTÉ Soccer Podcast, emphasized the importance of this signing, stating that Long’s arrival is a significant step towards addressing the team’s defensive woes.
Pro Tip: Experienced players like Kevin Long often bring more than just on-field skills. Their leadership and mentorship can be invaluable in developing younger players within the squad.
Long’s Illustrious Career
Kevin Long began his professional career with Cork City, progressing through their youth structure before making his senior debut in 2008. He then moved to Burnley in 2010, where he spent over a decade, although frequently loaned out to clubs like Accrington Stanley, Rochdale, Portsmouth, Barnsley, and Milton Keynes Dons. He earned 17 caps for the Republic of Ireland between 2017 and 2020, showcasing his international calibre.
Podcast Insights: A Necessary Addition?
Discussion on the RTÉ Soccer Podcast revealed a mixed outlook on Long’s impact. While acknowledged as a valuable addition, concerns were raised about his ability to single-handedly transform Waterford’s defence. Paul Corry noted that the signing suggests a shift in recruitment strategy, moving away from a purely attack-minded approach to address the glaring defensive issues. He highlighted the need for Long to organize and mentor the younger centre-halves within the squad.
Recruitment Strategy Shift for Waterford
The acquisition of Long appears to be a direct response to Waterford’s consistent struggles in conceding goals. Corry suggested the club previously prioritized attacking players, neglecting the defensive solidity needed for success. This change in approach signifies a recognition of the importance of a balanced squad, capable of both scoring and preventing goals.
FAQ
Q: How many appearances did Kevin Long make for Burnley?
A: He made 69 appearances for Burnley.
Q: What other clubs has Kevin Long played for?
A: He has played for Cork City, Accrington Stanley (loan), Rochdale (loan), Portsmouth (loan), Barnsley (loan), Milton Keynes Dons (loan), Birmingham City, Toronto FC, and now Waterford.
Q: How many caps did Kevin Long earn for the Republic of Ireland?
A: He earned 17 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
Did you realize? Kevin Long won the FAI Youth Cup, Munster Youth Cup, and FAI Futsal Cup with Cork City in 2009.
The arrival of Pádraig Amond alongside Long further bolsters Waterford’s experience, but the ultimate success of these signings hinges on the team’s ability to collectively address their defensive frailties. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Long can provide the leadership and stability needed to lift Waterford from the bottom of the Premier Division.
Stay tuned to 247sports.new for further updates on Waterford FC and the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division. Share your thoughts on Kevin Long’s signing in the comments below!