Padraig Amond pens new contract to stay with Waterford

Waterford striker Padraig Amond has signed a new contract with the club after a successful return to the League of Ireland this campaign.

Amond joined the Blues in January, netting 11 goals in the Premier Division.

The 36-year-old spent 13 years away from Ireland before joining the Blues.

He won the SSE Airtricity / Soccer Writers Player of the Month for May as part of a great campaign thus far.

He has defied his age to play 30 games for Waterford, helping the club to a brilliant return to the top flight.

Now he has penned a new deal lasting at least two seasons.

Waterford are pushing to qualify for Europe, currently sitting in fifth place, three points behind Sligo Rovers in third.

Amond said: "I'm really pleased to have signed a new deal at Waterford FC. To be involved with such a talented group of young players that we have at the club at the moment is brilliant and everyone is striving to do the best that they can do for the club.

"Working under the manager and his staff every day is great and I am delighted to continue with it. Since I have come back both my family and I have been welcomed so much by the club and I am really proud to represent the club.

"We have a huge couple of months ahead of us as we try to bring European football for the supporters and people of Waterford, and we will do everything in our power to try and make that happen."

Waterford head coach Keith Long is pleased to keep Amond at the RSC: "We’re delighted to extend Podge’s contract. He’s been a really important player for us since he’s come to the club in January. He’s been equally as important off the pitch for us in terms of his influence around the dressing room, the way he mentors some of the younger players and how he speaks to the players.

"He’s