Waterworth appointed to coaching role

Waterworth appointed to coaching role

24 February 2021

CROSSGAR’S Andy Waterworth has been appointed assistant manager to Gerard Lyttle in the Northern Ireland U-19 and U-17 set-up. 

Linfield striker Waterworth’s move was announced on Friday, as Northern Ireland legends Roy Carroll and Gareth McAuley have also joined the coaching staff. Former Cliftonville and Sligo Rovers manager Lyttle was appointed to the role earlier this month, having previously worked as head coach at the Irish FA’s academy. 

Lyttle said: “Andy and I share the same beliefs in terms of coaching and style and systems of play. He has a good knowledge of the youth players coming through the systems. He is a top coach, and has a great way with the young playes. This appointment was a no-brainer for me.”

Their first tasks are coming up in March when the U-19 side face three European Championship qualifiers in Sweden. One of the most prolific goal scorers in the Irish League over the last 12 years, Waterworth also has a full-time coaching role with the Irish FA. 

He has hit 200 goals in the Danske Bank Premiership in his career, this season netting 11.

The sharp-shooter, who started out with Kilmore Rec, has also had spells with Lisburn Distillery, Glentoran and Scottish Premiership side Hamilton Academical. 

On the appointments, Northern Ireland senior manager Ian Baraclough said: “I am really keen to encourage our former international stars to come back into the fold in this way. It is part of the fabric of what I feel any manager should be doing.

“Gareth and Roy are inspirational players that have been there and done it. Having them involved is good for us but, more importantly and even better for the young players who will benefit from their experience and expertise.

“There is a real eagerness from them to get involved. Alongside Andy Waterworth, it is a back room team to match any out there.”

Lyttle and Waterworth know each other well as they worked with one another with the Northern Ireland U-16 schoolboys.

New assistant manager Waterworth, who is still leading the line for Linfield in what has been a goal-laden career, has been embracing coaching since 2002. 

Now aged 34, he first earned a coaching qualification back in 2002, attaining a Level One certificate. 

He has been progressing up the coaching ladder ever since, completing his UEFA Pro Licence last year.

Waterworth played for Northern Ireland at both U-21 and U-19 level. Apart from continuing to play up front for Linfield, he also works for the IFA as a coach educator. 

The former Kilmore Rec, Ards, Lisburn Distillery, Hamilton Academical and Glentoran striker has scored 11 times for Linfield this season.

He currently topping the NIFL Premiership scoring charts, notching up his 200th Irish League goal last month.