future plans, marketability and previous finishing positions since the 2002 season, (this was due to Kildare County only joining the Eircom League in 2002). Despite finishing in 11th and last place ( Dublin City being the 12th team in the league and subsequently folding during the season) the club were forced to play a relegation/promotion playoff against Dundalk. Despite being defeated Waterford United still stood a chance of remaining a Premier Division side due to the FAI assessment. However, on 8 December 2006 the FAI decided to relegate Waterford to the 1st Division with Shamrock Rovers and Galway United replacing them and the now defunct Dublin City. Dundalk, despite beating Waterford in a playoff, were controversially overlooked and remained in the First Division. However, on 20 February 2007 it was announced that Waterford United had been invited to participate in the Premier Division for the forthcoming season. Club secretary Larry Gough stated "The club considered the proposal carefully and decided to accept the invitation in the best interests of football in Waterford and the eircom league". However, The "Blues" were relegated that season via the play-offs losing 6–3 on aggregate to Finn Harps. After the club's relegation Waterford went into the 2008 season knowing that only one team from the First Division would be promoted as the FAI planned to revamp the league. A valiant effort from Cronin's Blues saw them come so close yet so far as the "Blues" fell away towards the business end of the season leaving Dundalk and Shelbourne to compete for promotion on the final day of the season. In 2009 former Bohemians player, Stephen Henderson took over as boss at the Club and in his first season, the Blues narrowly missed out yet again for the playoffs and reached the EA Sports Cup Final where they were defeated 3–1 by Bohemians and the FAI Cup semi-finals. The club also finished in 4th in the League, missing out on the playoffs. Henderson signed a one-year extension to his contract for the 2010 season. His side finished in 2nd place just three points off champions Derry City. His side came up against Monaghan United in the playoffs but were defeated 3–1 in the RSC. In May 2011 Henderson was sacked after a run of poor form. Waterford native, Paul O'Brien was appointed manager for the duration of the season. Waterford United finished 5th in the 2011