Waterford last week completed the signing of 20-year-old midfielder JJ Lunney and midfielder Zack Elbouzedi FCahead of the 2019 season. Lunney joins the club having spent the 2018 season with Bohemians.
Jonathan “JJ” Lunney spent two seasons at Preston North End before joining St Patrick’s Athletic for 18 months in 2016.The left-footed Dubliner made 21 appearances last season for Bohemians and is thrilled to be joining the Blues. “I’m delighted to sign. Alan (Reynolds) showed lots of interest in signing me and I’m delighted to get it sorted.
Waterford FC manager Alan Reynolds with Zack Elbouzedi
The club is on the up and it’s great to be here; the style of play suits me down to the ground and who doesn’t want to be involved in Europe. It’s a great setup here too in the RSC, it’s close to what you’d have in England, good stadium, excellent pitch and the fans create a great atmosphere.Manager Alan Reynolds is very pleased with the new signing: “I’m delighted to get JJ signed up for next season. He’s a player we earmarked some weeks ago and it’s great to have it done.He’s a really exciting player and he’ll bring lots of energy to our midfield. He’s got plenty of Premier Division experience over the last two seasons with St Pats and Bohs and he’ll be a great addition to the squad.
Zack Elbouzedi joined West Bromwich Albion in 2015 and spent two years at the club, before joining Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2017. Known for his pace, technical ability and quick attacking play, Dublin-born Elbouzedi played with Malahide United before moving to West Bromwich Albion.Elbouzedi has represented the Republic of Ireland at U15, U16, U17 and U19 international level.Speaking after signing, Elbouzedi said:“I’m delighted to get everything done and it’s great to have my future sorted. I’m excited by what Waterford has to offer and I’m looking forward to next season.Everything is really professional here, the pitch, the training pitches, the stadium, it’s as good as most English clubs. I came up, had a look at the facilities and I was really impressed.
JJ Lunney with Waterford FC General Manager Jack Power Photos: Noel Browne
“Obviously the European football is a big plus and it’ll be nice to experience that. It’s amazing where the club has come from in the last few years and it’s important that as a club we push on.“I just want minutes on the pitch now. I was at West Brom but it’s so hard to break into a Premier League team, then went to Inverness and I was flying at the start but got injured. So, I’m hoping to get into the team and get a run of games.
Manager Alan Reynolds said: “We’re delighted to welcome Zack to the club – he’s a great signing for us and he’s delighted to be here.“He’s a player who we think will really excite the fans, he’s quick and likes to attack and that’ll suit us.