Jonathan Walters will start 2023 as the new Technical Director of two clubs, Fleetwood Town in England’s League One and Waterford FC in the League of Ireland First Division.

The 39-year-old Football Careers client shone for Stoke City and the Republic of Ireland in his playing days and has now landed the unique dual role with the sister clubs. Jonathan said:

“I’m absolutely delighted and extremely proud to be appointed Technical Director at Fleetwood Town and Waterford FC. It’s a new chapter for me and a unique and exciting challenge lies ahead, the hard work has already begun.”

Walters’ role will see him liaise with Fleetwood’s boss, the former Celtic and Scotland midfielder Scott Brown, to drive the strategy at that club.

Over the water in Ireland he is tasked with helping Waterford, who were second in the First Division standings last time out, win promotion to the League of Ireland Premier Division when that season kicks off in February. Chairman Andy Pilley said:

“We are delighted to welcome such a well-respected name in the game to the club in a role which we feel is hugely important. Jonathan is an experienced and knowledgeable character who can help the club move to the next level in structure, recruitment and sporting success on the pitch.

“Fleetwood Town were one of the first League One clubs to appoint a technical director in Gretar Steinsson back in 2015. We felt now was the right time to bring the role back. It’s a hugely exciting appointment.

“He’s also someone who knows the Irish game well and is a proud Irishman. It’s a hugely exciting appointment and these are exciting times for Waterford Football Club. We want to take the club to the next level.”

Walters played 54 times for the Republic of Ireland and scored 14 goals. He is revered at Stoke City, starring as they reached the 2011 FA Cup Final and becoming a key figure in their Premier League days.

It’s been three years now since he hung up his boots and Jonathan quickly built up an impressive coaching reputation in the Stoke Academy and working with the Republic of Ireland Under-19 squad. Now he takes on this challenging double role and Fleetwood boss Brown stressed:

“It’s something that worked well with the club beforehand and it’s going to help us going forward by setting standards. I know he’s here to look over us all and make sure we are doing our jobs, as well as be helpful to the group. He was a fantastic player and had a great career.

“His role will be between the two clubs of Fleetwood Town and Waterford FC and will help in making us more professional and by hopefully helping both teams push up the leagues. The club has ambition, we want to try and get up the table and January is going to be huge for us.”