FORMER Oldham Athletic boss John Sheridan has been appointed manager of League of Ireland Premier Division club Waterford.

The Republic of Ireland star, who has been out of work since having is contract terminated at Chesterfield in January, takes charge of the Blues as they prepare for the season to kick off at the end of the month.

He will be assisted by first-team coach Francis Rocket.

Sheridan played 144 times for Latics between 1998 and 2004 and had five spells in charge at Boundary Park.

And the ex-Plymouth Argyle, Newport County and Fleetwood boss is looking forward to his new challenge after accepting an offer from chairman and former Norwich City player Lee Power.

“I’m delighted to have gotten everything sorted with Lee and the club, and I can’t wait to get down to the training pitches and get stuck in,” he told the club’s official website.

“I am under no illusions of the task in hand. Speaking to Lee and others around the club, I am more than aware of what the club means to fans, and those involved.

“We’ll be looking to hit the ground running as soon as possible and getting sharp again ahead of the resumption of the league.

“I have spoken with the chairman a couple of times in the last little while, and we both are on the same page. We have set out some goals, and I will be pushing the players to make sure we achieve what we have set ourselves.”

Sheridan played 230 games for Leeds United, netting 47 times, as well as spending time with Sheffield Wednesday and Bolton Wanderers.

After hanging up his boots, Sheridan, capped 34 times by the Republic of Ireland, also had managerial posts at Notts County and Carlisle United.

Power said getting someone with so much experience underlines his commitment to the club.

He said: “I’ve known John for over 20 years and am delighted that he has agreed to help me and the club out.

“To have someone with John’s calibre managing the club is fantastic for the supporters and the city and will also put to bed a number of silly rumours that have surrounded my family's commitments and ownership of the club.”