Reece Hutchinson is the latest player to commit to Sligo Rovers for the 2025 season, the club are thrilled to confirm.
Hutchinson has signed a one year deal which brings the 24-year-old into his third season at the Showgrounds.
The left back joined the Bit O’Red on loan from Cheltenham Town before the commencement of the 2023 season and made the move permanent that summer following an impressive start to his Sligo stint.
The Birmingham native has appeared almost 50 times for Rovers to date, scoring three times. He ended last season having appeared in all 38 competitive first team games.
Speaking to sligorovers.com, Reece says the Showgrounds is the ideal venue for him to further develop his game.
“Sligo is a second home for me and there was no question for me whether I’d be hanging around or not”, he says.
“This is where I want to play and this is where I enjoy my football. Ultimately, I signed because I have real belief in John (Russell) and his plans. I know he will add quality between now and the start of next season.
“I am hugely ambitious and I wouldn’t have signed if I wasn’t. We weren’t miles off Europe last year and we can push for a European finish this season, I believe. That’s the mentality the management puts into all the players and that’s a huge attraction for any player.”
Looking forward to his third campaign at Rovers, Hutchinson says he now wishes to push on from an impressive 2024 which saw the Bit O’Red sustain a push for Europe up until the final straight.
“My first year was all about adapting to the league and learning to be away from home but I have loved every minute at Rovers. But last year was really positive. I was able to play to a high level even with a small injury and learned how to manage both the injury and my body that bit better.
“I have always backed myself but coming to Rovers brought that confidence and swagger back to my game. The manager likes to play the style of football that really suits me and it helps me progress as a footballer.”
Speaking about the re-signing, Rovers boss Russell says he has secured the services of the league’s finest left full.
“Reece is a player who has made huge strides since coming to Rovers. He fits in perfectly with the way we want to play”, Russell noted.
“His ability to carry the ball and create chances as well as chip in with goals is a massive asset for us. He’s the best left back in the country in my opinion and is great to work with both on and off the field.
“There’s so much more to come from him too. His mentality is excellent and he wants to keep pushing and improving himself.”
David Goulden