Former Imp Joins Top Flight Club Following Recent Release

Former Imps’ defender Hayden Cann has a new home in Ireland, joining top-flight side Waterford after being released by Derry City. 

The former Imps defender has joined the Blues for their 2026 Premier Division campaign, linking up once again with head coach Jon Daly, his former coach at Dundalk.

A fresh chapter for a familiar face

Cann’s move comes after a busy couple of seasons across Ireland. Now 22, the centre back spent 2025 with Derry City, racking up 26 appearances in all competitions. Despite this, he was recently released from Brandywell.

For City supporters, he will always be a familiar name. Cann joined the Imps at eight, progressed steadily through the academy, and made his senior debut aged 17 in an EFL Trophy tie against Mansfield. His first professional deal followed the next day, a moment that underlined how highly he was rated within the club.

Loans followed in the National League before Cann crossed the Irish Sea in early 2024, joining Drogheda United for the first half of their League of Ireland season. He made 19 appearances and scored once, a dramatic 94th-minute winner against Dundalk in the Louth Derby, a moment still replayed regularly by their supporters.

His performances earned him a permanent switch to Dundalk that summer, working under Jon Daly, and even as the Lilywhites were relegated, Cann’s progress continued. Derry City picked him up for 2025 where he played regularly and developed further into a commanding defender.

Working with Jon Daly again

Cann spoke to Waterford’s media team after the deal was announced, and he sounded genuinely energised by the chance to reconnect with Daly.

“I’m buzzing to be signing for the club. I’m looking forward to working with Jon again after working with him previously and getting to know the lads. I know how tough a place the RSC is to come and get points, so I’m looking forward to playing here and meeting all the fans next season.”

Daly returned the compliment.

“I’m delighted to bring Hayden to Waterford. He’s a young defender with tremendous potential, real composure on the ball, and the hunger to keep improving. Hayden fits the type of character and quality we want at the club, and I’ve no doubt he’ll make a big impact for us this season.”

We all wish Hayden the best of luck following his move.