Pilley family remain as Waterford ownership changes

Waterford FC have changed owners with the club being sold from Andrew Pilley to his son Jamie.

Andrew Pilley was also the owner of Fleetwood Town FC in England with a similar agreement reached for that outfit.

Andrew Pilley was jailed for 13 years in 2023 after being found guilty of two counts of running a business with the intention of defrauding creditors, one count of false representation and one count of being concerned with the retention of criminal property.

His son Jamie had been helping run operations of the football clubs, with a message posted on their club websites in the aftermath of the court verdict that it was business as usual for the Blues.

UK-based company, The Willows 96 Holdings Limited, has now purchased 100% of the shareholding of Waterford FC.

The sole shareholder of that company is Jamie Pilley who will also serve as a director of the club along with Steven Curwood.

Regulations introduced this season in the League of Ireland had dictated a change of ownership was required.

Jamie Pilley said: “I’m delighted and honoured to have completed the takeover of the Blues and in doing so able to protect the long-term future of the club.

“It’s been well documented the club has faced uncertain times in the last 12 months with the situation surrounding my father, but my family and I remain fully committed to Waterford and a city and a football club.

“Since arriving at the club we’ve made incredible steps forward, on and off the pitch, and I intend to continue this under my ownership – this isn’t a short term commitment. I’d like to think my family’s actions have spoken much louder than our words in the progress we’ve made since arriving.

“I’m incredibly proud to be the owner of this club and would like to thank the FAI for their assistance during what has been a very difficult period for everyone involved.

“I’d like to pay tribute to my father Andy for the work he’s done at the club, and I’m ready for the challenge of continuing the growth on and off the pitch going forward.

“Now the club’s future is secure, I’d like to call on everyone associated with the club to fully get behind the Blues – we are on an exciting journey and want to ensure Waterford Football Club reinstates itself as one of the biggest clubs in Ireland.

“Since taking over we’ve introduced a number of full-time roles at the club in the aim of professionalising every aspect of the football club.

“We’ve also given opportunities to Waterford people in key positions in our senior management team – something I feel is hugely important. I’d like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and efforts so far.

“We now need the whole community to get behind the Blues, while I’m now the owner on paper, this club belongs to all the people in the city and county of Waterford.”

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