Pádraig Amond’s fears Waterford will lose young players in July

Pádraig Amond’s sole fear for maintaining Waterford’s stellar form is the prospect of losing their best young players in July.

Three wins in a row – including their first-ever at Tallaght Stadium against champions Shamrock Rovers – has propelled the newly-promoted side into contention for European qualification as the midway point looms.

Last year’s takeover by Fleetwood Town owner Andy Pilley has generated a mixed bag, including a legacy jail sentence for the benefactor, but the exchange of talent has been the most noteworthy aspect.

Maleace Asamoah is one of their loanees from the English League One club and his scorching form has been integral to their strides. Individual success risks the attacker being recalled in July.

Then there’s local teen Romeo Akachukwu, whose hat-trick in last year’s playoff semi-final. He’s set to bank the Blues at least €500,000 in the summer; Southampton his likeliest destination. “You never know if we will lose players or what way it’s going to be,” tempered the 36-year-old former Newport County striker about expectations in the south-east, ahead of Friday’s trip to leaders Shelbourne.

“We know the second half of the season will be tough. The teams who have more money will strengthen so it will become even harder for us.” 

Amond, who played for Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers before embarking on his UK journey, had identified what can sustain Asamoah’s surge.

“I’ve spoken to Maleace about this and told him his career can be as good as he wants it to be,” the Carlow native revealed.

“He’s got an attribute which you can’t teach – teams are frightened of his pace.

“When he combines that pace with the rest of the game, such as working back towards the other goal defensively, he’ll be a real