John Coleman to take over as manager of League of Ireland side Waterford after leaving Gillingham in March after 14 games at the League 2 club

Gillingham’s former manager John Coleman starts a new job this week.

Coleman was given the task of reviving Gillingham’s fortunes when he took over from Mark Bonner in January, but he was unable to get the team firing, which led to Gareth Ainsworth’s appointment and his departure in March.

It hasn’t taken Coleman long to find a new challenge, however. He takes over as manager of League of Ireland side Waterford tomorrow (Tuesday).

Waterford announced on Saturday that Coleman, 62, would be their new permanent appointment, taking over from interim boss Matt Lawlor after tonight’s game against Shelbourne.

Coleman will be in the stands watching his new team in action at Tolka Park on Monday and said: “I’m delighted to become Waterford manager and excited by the League of Ireland, which has a real vibrancy about it at the moment.

“Although it will be a big challenge, there is clearly a huge desire to be successful at this football club and to progress up this division.

“I’m relishing the opportunity to get started, to build on the great work that has been done here in recent years.”

He takes over from Lawlor, who is a coach at Fleetwood. The two clubs have shared ownership.

Coleman is best known for his success at Accrington Stanley, where he managed over 1,000 games and gained multiple promotions. He also had brief spells in charge at Rochdale and Sligo Rovers.

Waterford owner James Pilley said: “The level of candidates we spoke to was hugely impressive, with applicants from within the League of Ireland and from all around the footballing world.

“But after hearing what John’s got to say, and his desire to challenge himself to bring success to Waterford Football Club, he was the stand-out applicant and the obvious choice.”

Co