Waterford United manager Gareth Cronin has secured the services of 10 senior players in the wake of his side's relegation to the eircom League First Division.

Cronin is "thrilled" with the news after the disappointment of seeing his side beaten 6-3 on aggregate by Finn Harps in the two-leg promotion play-off last week.

Not everyone is staying at the RCS, however, with central midfielder Ray Scully, defender Robbie Hedderman and full back Pat Flynn all being released.

The players who remain are Packie Holden, John Hayes, David Breen, Kieran Fitzgerald, Paul McCarthy, Gary Dunphy, Willie John Kiely, Vinny Sullivan, David Grincell and Karl Bermingham.

"I am thrilled that many of the players have committed to the club already and I am in discussions with a number of other players," said the manager today. "Our aim is to get a squad together that is capable of challenging straight away and the planning process is already underway."

"I would like to thank Ray, Robbie and Pat for their efforts and wish them well in their careers."