Danny Searle says it is his mission to restore Waterford FC to the Premier Division after joining the Blues as head coach.
Searle, 44, previously managed Braintree Town and Aldershot in the National League and has also worked at Chelsea, West Ham and Charlton at youth level.
He replaces Ian Morris, who only joined the club in December but was let go in April after a disappointing start to the season.
Ian Ryan was seen as the favourite for the post but after he decided to stay with Wexford Youths, Searle is the club's choice to boost a promotion challenge that seemed unlikely only a few weeks ago.
Tobias Phoenix had been in interim charge, working with Gary Breen and David Hunt, before Searle's appointment and the Blues' recovery has moved them into third place behind pace-setters Cork City and Galway United.
“I’m delighted to be here and can’t wait to get on the grass with the players," said the new head coach.
"I’ve met the staff and we are looking forward to building on the good work that’s already been put in place.
"Waterford are a big club and the mission is clear, we want to be back in the Premier Division.”
Waterford chairman Mitch Cowling said: “I would like to thank Gary and David for stepping up and taking on more responsibility over the last six games working closely under Tobias and producing six wins out of six.
"The three of them have done a fantastic job and long may that continue with the help of Danny coming in.
"I am also looking forward to welcoming everyone back at the RSC next Friday (June 24) to give the second half of the season a real push together to get the club back to where it belongs."
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