Waterford FC have confirmed the signing of left-back Ryan Burke ahead of this week’s opening league game against Wexford FC.

Burke (22), who was most recently with Bohemians, played his youth football with St Joseph’s Boys and St Patrick’s Athletic before crossing the pond to sign for Birmingham City.

Waterford FC are pleased to announce the signing of left back Ryan Burke.

The 22-year-old arrives from Bohemians, where he spent the second half of the 2022 season.

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— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) February 14, 2023

The former Yeovil Town and Mansfield Town man told the Waterford club website: “I am absolutely delighted to have signed and I can’t wait to get going. The ambitions of the club and the club itself led me to sign. I have spoken to players who have previously played for the club and they loved their time here.

“I had a good chat with the manager and heard how ambitious he was to move the club forward and I’m looking forward to being a part of that. I’ve been here since Saturday and met the players and staff and everyone was very welcoming and there’s some real quality in the team.The facilities are amazing and there’s also a huge fan base who I’m looking forward to playing in front of.

“We’ll be looking for a good start against Wexford this Friday to start our season and we all know our aim this season and that is to win the league. With the team we’ve built I think we’re certainly capable and hopefully we can play a big part in this.” .

The Blues also added attacker Ronan Coughlan to their ranks ahead of the new campaign.

The former St Patrick’s Athletic and Sligo Rovers striker said: “I’m delighted to be here now and can’t wait to get going! The club are hungry for success, as am I, so it’s a great game!

“Once I spoke to the coach and he spoke about the club’s plans and what I can contribute, it seemed like a no-brainer for me personally. Hopefully I can contribute goals, experience and much more to help the club.” back where he belongs.

“It’s been too long since I’ve had the proper opportunity to show what I can do when given the chance. I’m very hungry for success and I hope it starts on Friday night.”

“First of all, we want to be up there at the end of the season, we won’t be scared of that, we know where we need to be and what needs to be done to achieve that result.” Personally, I want to help the team as much as possible on and off the pitch.”

Waterford FC are pleased to confirm the signing of Ronan Coughlan.

The forward joins the Blues ahead of the 2023 promotion push.

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— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) February 14, 2023

Danny Searle’s team travel to Ferrycarrig Park this Friday to kick off the 2023 League of Ireland First Division season.