Waterford FC have signed their second goalkeeper this week by capturing Brad Wade ahead of the 2025 League of Ireland season.
Wade makes the move to the RSC having spent 2024 with Cork City in the First Division, making 36 appearances for City in his first year in the League of Ireland.
The 24-year-old came up through the Rochdale academy and spent time with their first-team during his stay at the Dale. After seven years with the club, he departed for Hereford FC, before also spending time with Southport and Guiseley AFC prior to his move to Cork City at the beginning of 2024.
Wade kept an impressive 20 clean sheets for City in 2024, as his net minding helped guide Tim Clancy's side to become First Division champions.
He left Turner’s Cross with Clancy stating they club had been unable to agree personal terms with the goalkeeper.
Wade said: "I’m happy to sign for Waterford, and looking forward to working with Keith Long and [goalkeeping coach] Brian Murphy in particular.
"The manager has explained his ambitions to me for the team for the coming season and I’m looking forward to being part of it."
Armagh native Stephen McMullan signed for the Blues yesterday, on loan from sister club Fleetwood Town, and looks set to battle it out with Wade for the number one jersey.
Waterford were without any goalkeeper after Sam Sargeant opted to leave the RSC while Matt Connor signed for Athlone Town after being released.
Elsewhere, Adam Foley has bowed out of Drogheda United after three years at the club, helping the County Louth side to an FAI Cup victory last season.
Foley joined the club ahead of the 2022 season from Finn Harps, making 24 appearances in his first season with the club. He made a further 33 appearances in 2023, finishing as top scorer with nine goals.
The 35-year-old had his best goalscoring season with the club in 2024, netting ten times in 40 appearances, including the all important brace against Wexford in the FAI Cup semi-final.
"Unfortunately due to the change in schedule and work commitments I'm unable to continue playing in the Premier Division," said Foley. "I am gutted it has to end but it is the right time for the club to go into full-time football especially after the success of last season and European football on the way."
