Waterworth to depart Linfield

Waterworth to depart Linfield

28 April 2021

ANDY Waterworth is preparing for life after Linfield when he departs at the end of the season.

The Crossgar striker is currently considering his options after his current club look set to make the switch from part-time to full-time next year.

The prolific footballer has made 340 appearances for Linfield and found the net 186 times since signing from Glentoran in May 2013.

Waterworth (35) will not be short of choices, with Lurgan-based Glenavon rumoured to be highly interested.

“I’ve spoken to a few clubs. I can’t go full-time with Linfield, even for a year,” said Waterworth.

“At the age of 35 it wouldn’t be right for me to give up my working career for one year full-time with Linfield.”

The striker works in coaching education with the Irish FA and is currently assisting Northern Ireland U-19 boss Gerard Lyttle as the national team prepare for their Euro 2022 championship qualifiers in October later this year. 

Recently, Linfield’s club record goalscorer in Europe helpedNorthern Ireland U-19s at a training camp in Belfast alongside Killyleagh goalkeeper Conor Brennan. 

Despite the coaching role, Waterworth still believes he has a lot to offer on the pitch.

“I still feel I’m a footballer on a Saturday and I can still contribute despite the ageing process,” he said. 

“I can give another club a year of my time and we can see how it develops. At the moment I’m not turning my back on playing but this season isn’t done yet.”

Linfield are hoping to clinch a 55th league championship and currently sit top of the NIFL Premiership, seven points clear of nearest rivals Glentoran.

On a personal note, this will be Waterworth’s fifth league title if his team can close out the season on top of the table.

“I’d love to go out on a high and win a fifth league title, but there’s a lot of work to be done before that happens and the players will not take their eye off the ball,” he said.

“My full focus is still on winning trophies with Linfield. I’m fully committed to the club and there’s huge respect there”.

The prolific footballer has made 340 appearances for Linfield and found the net 186 times since signing from Glentoran in May 2013. 

Waterworth fully understands the club’s decision to progress and spoke without regret in his decision to move on.

“It will be hard to leave WLinfield but I have huge respect for the club chairman, Roy McGivern, and managing 

director Pat Fenlon, all the players and staff, and I totally understand the direction the club is going in,” said Waterworth.

“I’m a football man, I take the game seriously and I believe Linfield are doing the right thing moving ahead with the full-time ethos,” he added.

Waterworth now sets his sight on a crucial top of the table clash as Linfield take on his former club Glentoran this Saturday, in what could prove to be a pivotal deciding match in this year’s Premiership.