Sligo Rovers are delighted to reveal our brand-new home jersey for the 2023 season, created by the Bit O’ Red’s kit and sportswear partner JOMA Sport, in association with our main sponsor Avant Money.

Our current sponsor, Avant Money, now moved into their fourth season with Rovers, with new kits brought out in 2020 and 2021, with the most recent home shirt lasting two seasons as the club decided to give back to supporters during tough economic times by choosing not to bring out a new shirt. 

It also marks the seventh year of our agreement with JOMA, who have been a hugely supportive partner for the last six seasons.  

The announcement was made alongside the news of our first off-season signing with the arrival of defender Johan Brannefalk on Monday and the extension of midfielder Greg Bolger’s contract on Wednesday.

There is more signing news expected within the coming days along with 2023 season tickets and other exciting club news.

The jersey is available to order on our official club online store www.srfcdirect.com which offers next day delivery on all orders via our shipping partners.

You can also order the shirt online and pick it up at The Showgrounds.

We have beautiful Infant kits for our youngest Bit O’ Red supporters aged from 3 months to 24 months, which includes a pair of striking red shorts.

Shirts then start from 3 years to 14 years for children and from small adult all the way up to 4 XL.

We encourage supporters to buy online and use our shipping service which is the best way to order your shirt. We ship worldwide five days per week.

Sligo Rovers CEO Colin Feehily said:

‘’We have been excited about this new shirt for some time now. It has been a couple of years since introducing our last home shirt after our unique decision last year to keep the same jersey for 2022.

‘’We always aim to make the shirt appeal to all our supporters and, we feel like we have done so again with this latest edition.

‘’There are nice shirts and shorts for children and plenty of choice size wise and we’re looking forward to seeing the shirt on the pitch in 2023’’.

Shirts cost €65 for Adults, €55 for Children sizes and €30 for Infant kits.

To buy, click the link below:

https://srfcdirect.com/kits/

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce midfielder Greg Bolger has signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2023 SSE Airtricity League season.

Bolger will begin his third season at The Bit O’ Red when pre-season returns in January under the guidance of Manager John Russell.

Since arriving from Shamrock Rovers two years ago, Bolger has made 56 appearances for the club and will also be part of our coaching staff in 2023 as Russell uses Bolger’s expertise and experience in the league to guide a young Bit O’ Red.

The decorated midfielder has won three League titles, two EA Sports Cups and four FAI Cups in his career to date after spells with St. Patrick’s Athletic, Cork City and Shamrock Rovers.

Bolger, from Wexford, has made Sligo his home in the last two years and has settled into life in the North-West and looks forward to another season here:

‘’Obviously, I am delighted to have signed for another year with Sligo Rovers.

‘’I am excited about 2023 and what lies ahead for the team and the club under John Russell.

‘’I’ve loved my time here at the club, from a living aspect, the community side of things and the fans, it’s unique really so, I’m delighted to get this deal done.

‘’First and foremost I am signed as a player but the club and John have gave me an opportunity to dip my hands into the coaching side of things for next year which I’m very grateful for and want thank the club and John for the opportunity’’.

Bolger is no stranger to John Russell with the pair playing together at St. Patrick’s Athletic in their League winning 2013 season and of course working together since Bolger joined Rovers in 2020.

Russell is delighted to have Bolger at his disposal as both an important player in the squad and a key part of his coaching staff:

‘’I’m delighted Greg has agreed to extend his stay at the club while also taking up a coaching role in the first team set up.

‘’Greg is a top player who has won numerous trophies throughout his career.

‘’He’s a big influence both on and off the pitch.

‘’He is driven and ambitious and those are the type of players I want to have at the club’’.

It brings to 14 the number of players currently signed for 2023 with a number of other signings to come in the coming weeks before the start of the new SSE Airtricity League season in February.

Season Tickets go on sale this week and we encourage all supporters to get behind John and the team as we look forward to another big year for the club.

Sligo Rovers goalkeeper Conor Walsh started in today’s Under 18 Republic of Ireland win over Sweden in Croatia, the first of three games in the space of six days.

The sides meet again this Friday before Ireland take on hosts Croatia on Monday.

Conor has represented his country at various age levels in the last few years and recently made his Rovers debut against Bohemians at Dalymount Park.

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce our first new signing ahead of the 2023 season is Johan Brannefalk, who signs from Norrby IF in Sweden.

The 24 year-old right back has spent his last two seasons at Norrby and had spells at Ljungskile and Trelleborg after spending time as a youth player with Malmo.

Brannefalk will move to Sligo and begin preparations along with his new team-mates next week when the team reports back for the first time since the end of the 2022 season.

Bit O’ Red Manager John Russell is thrilled with the signing:

‘’I am delighted to secure the signing of Johan Brannefalk.

‘’He is an attacking full back who will fit in perfectly in how we want to play. He possesses a great passing range and crossing ability.

‘’Johan comes to us at a really good stage in his career. He has plenty of experience in the top two tiers in Sweden and I know he’s looking forward to this new challenge at Sligo Rovers’’.

Russell continues to work behind the scenes on completing his squad for 2023 with more signing and contract extension news expected in the coming days and weeks.

Our new defender has spoken to sligorovers.com for the first time and expresses his delight at his move to Sligo:

‘’I was flattered to hear Sligo Rovers were interested in me and I started to research how the club played football and how I would fit in at the club and in the league. It became very clear to me that playing for Sligo Rovers was the perfect next step for my career. And the picture of the club matched my expectations when I spoke to John.

‘’The main reason is the ambition for the club, all the fans that support the club, and the vision I have for myself playing for Sligo Rovers.

‘’My ambitions for 2023 is the same as all the club’s. I want to win every game we play. That is of course not realistic but that is the mindset I go into every game with’’.

‘’I heard of Sligo Rovers when the club played in Europe this summer, and watched the team play since I heard about their interest in me’’.

Brannefalk is new signing number one in this off season with 2023 Season Tickets set to be launched this week as well as brand new 2023 merchandise and home shirt coming soon, there are exciting weeks ahead at the club.

Sligo Rovers are seeking applications for the role as Head Coach of our Men’s Under 17 team for the 2023 season.

The position of Under-17 Men’s Head Coach is key to the ongoing development of our elite Academy players and will play a significant role in their development through this team and onto our Under 19’s and or Men’s Senior team. The role will provide valuable experience for the successful candidate of working with an elite group of players in a professional environment.

Job Description

– Help club achieve its vision to ‘Build a brand that is associated with excellence on and off the pitch for football, to be considered as an example of excellence and best practice, and one of the major developer of players within the country at academy, and eventually senior level’.
– The development and nurturing of a pool of elite players to facilitate their current and future success as individuals and as a team.
– Organise, plan and deliver a suitable player development programme in line with the FAI and Sligo Rovers coaching syllabus.
– Uphold the clubs code of conduct and implement club’s vision on and off the pitch.
– Set high standards for the players both on and off the pitch.
– Create and maintain appropriate communication with players / parents / clubs / leagues and any stakeholders relevant to the team
– To work with the media in any area regarding Sligo Rovers FC.
– Ensure the club adheres to FAI rules and regulations and competition rules. . 
– To ensure that all delivery satisfies the clubs safeguarding and welfare procedures 

Job Specification:
The ideal candidate will have skills and experience in the following areas:

Essential Criteria
– A current valid UEFA A Licence holder as a minimum.
– Successful candidate will be subjected to Garda vetting clearance. 
– Up to date Safeguarding 1 / Child Welfare Certificate.
– An ability to produce verbal and written reports.
– Access to both email and phone.
– Experience and enthusiasm for coaching and mentoring elite young players and coaches.

Desirable Criteria
– Administrative and organisational skills.
– Previous experience of coaching in female game.
– Coach mentoring experience.

Abilities / Skills / Knowledge: 
– Has the leadership ability to inspire a team to play to their maximum potential
– Ability to communicate and implement club’s philosophy as Head Coach.
– Excellent communication skills with the ability to build meaningful, strong strategic relationships with players, staff and officials.
– Understanding of learning, development and high performance with a proven ability to create optimum and challenging learning environments for players.

– Strong existing relationships within football in North-West.
– Must be available for games / training at weekends and evenings.

To apply for this position please email your CV with a cover letter by Monday, November 21^st at 5pm to Conor O’ Grady, Head of Academy, Sligo Rovers FC at ogrady.27@hotmail.com  

Our 500 Club Draw for August, September and October took place recently with thirty members being drawn out to win prizes totaling €4,200

Our 500 Club is one of the club’s most important fundraisers with over 500 members contributing just €20 per month to help towards the running of the club.

Earlier this season, the club began increasing awareness around the 500 Club and has been seeking new members to join. We have signed up over 100 new members since then and we continue to welcome those who wish to join.

To become a member you can visit https://srfcdirect.com/fundraising/500-club/ or contact the club through shane@sligorovers.com

The latest winners were Tony McGee (August), Pat McCormack (September) and Yvonne French (October). Each winner takes away €500.

Draw results:

August:

1^st: €500: Tony McGee, Tonaphubble, Sligo

2^nd: €100: Pat Devaney, Calry, Co. Sligo

3^rd: €100: Thomas Kilfeather, Grange, Co. Sligo

4^th: €100: Brena Kearins, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

5^th: €100: Andrew Dodd, Old Cartron, Sligo

6^th: €100: Joseph Gilmartin, Church Hill, Sligo

7^th: €100: Liam Loftus, Coolera, Co. Sligo

8^th: €100: Michael Leonard, Avoca, Blackrock, Dublin.

9^th: €100: Harry Clarke, Easkey, Co. Sligo

10^th: €100: Seamus Gallagher, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo

September:

1^st: €500: Pat McCormack, St Joseph’s Terrace, Sligo

2^nd: €100: Padraig McKeon, 690 Howth Rd, Dublin

3^rd: €100: Michael McTiernan, 33 Oakfield Crescent, Sligo

4^th: €100: Terence Leydon, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal

5^th: €100: Seamus Gilmartin, Grange, Co. Sligo

6^th: €100: Marian Howard, Tonaphubble Lane, Sligo

7^th: €100: Noel McLoat, Cleveragh Rd, Sligo

8^th: €100: Gary Morahan, Kevinsfort Heath, Sligo

9^th: €100: Danny McHugh, Ballindine, Co. Mayo

10^th: €100: Brian McNally, Westport, Co. Mayo

October:

1^st: €500: Yvonne French, Calry, Co. Sligo

2^nd: €100: Frank Feighan T.D, Strandhill Rd, Sligo

3^rd: €100: Joe Doherty, Maugheraboy, Sligo

4^th: €100: Gerry Monaghan, Riverside, Sligo

5^th: €100: Al Murphy, Pearse Rd, Sligo

6^th: €100: Barbara McLynn, Old Market St, Sligo

7^th: €100: Gary Kelly, Clongriffin, Dublin 13

8^th: €100: Griffin McManus, Malahide, Co. Dublin

9^th: €100: Paul Kilgallon, Stephen St. Co. Sligo

10^th: €100: Anthony Kilfeather, Dromahair, Co. Leitrim

Congratulations to all members who won a prize and we wish to thank all our 500 Club members and 500 Club committee for their continued support.

Be part of it, join The 500 Club

Sligo Rovers are thrilled to announce that Darryl Keaney will take over the role of Under 15 Head Coach for the 2023 season.

Darryl is a young coach with a great knowledge of the game and has become an important part of our Academy staff having been Assistant Manager of our Under 14 team in 2022.

Darryl is from Sligo and a keen Bit O’ Red supporter and has been developing his coaching career at the club and has a bright future ahead of him.

Trials for our Under 15 squad for the 2023 season get underway tomorrow at The Showgrounds where Keaney will cast his eye over those in attendance.

Head of Academy Conor O’ Grady:

‘’I am delighted to have Darryl step up to the role of Under 15 Head Coach.

‘He is a really bright, up and coming coach at the club who has all the ingredients to coach at a high level.

‘Darryl built up a great bond with players and staff in 2022 and will continue to develop the players at Under 15 level in what will be a crucial year for them’’.

Speaking on his appointment today, Darryl said:

‘’It is a massive opportunity for me and, I am delighted to be on board as Under 15 Head Coach at Sligo Rovers.

‘’This is a great time to be involved in the Academy, as there is now a clear pathway for players to progress up the ladder and into the first-team.

‘’I am really looking to getting started’’.

Our Under 15 team continue to be sponsored by O’ Connor Cabins who are an important partner to our Academy and club in general.

Trials will now take place tomorrow with further preparations taking place between now and January, when pre-season will start for all Academy teams.

Sligo Rovers are thrilled to announce that Colm Jinks will take over the role of Under 14 Head Coach for the 2023 season.

Colm has great experience in the game locally and nationally having played football for many years here at Sligo Rovers and with other League of Ireland clubs Athlone Town and Longford Town before returning to play local football here in Sligo.

Colm is currently the Football Facilitator at ATU Sligo and Head Coach of the Senior A Men’s team at the University, working with the best local and regional players. 

Colm returns to the club in a coaching capacity having previously worked at Assistant Manager for our Under 17 Men’s team and developing many of the players who have since broken into the first-team squad at the club and indeed further afield.

Head of Academy Conor O’ Grady:

‘’I am delighted Colm has joined as Under 14 Head Coach.

‘’Colm has a proven track record as a coach, he knows the club and has a vast knowledge of the best young players in the region.

‘’Having been previously involved with the Under 17’s, he played a big part in the development of the likes of Liam Kerrigan and Niall Morahan to name just two.

‘’The Under 14 age group is such an important one and the first entry point to the club and I feel Colm will fill this position well and help the club develop these players from a young age and set them up on their journey at the Academy’’.

Trials for the 2023 season begin this Saturday at The Sean Fallon Centre and Colm will get to work straight away as he looks to bring the best young players in the region to Sligo Rovers:

‘’I’m delighted to be offered the chance to be Head Coach of Sligo Rovers Under 14 squad next season. It’s great to be back in The Showgrounds again where I have being lucky enough to have worked with some fantastic players between 2014 and 2018 who came through our Academy and have gone on to play for Sligo Rovers, other clubs in the league and have made moves abroad.

‘’Assembling a new squad of players for the coming National League season is always challenging but one I’m looking forward to while making sure we get the best talent to represent Sligo Rovers on and off the pitch.

The club feel this is a very important age group for players to develop technically and build foundations for them to progress through the club’s pathway and hopefully one day into the first team’’. 

Colm will have a look at his prospective squad tomorrow at The Sean Fallon Centre as trials begin for the 2023 season. Players from all over the region will attend in the hope to sign ahead of next year.

Sligo Rovers Womens Manager Steve Feeney has been shortlisted for Manager of The Year for 2022, following his sides impressive first season at Women’s National League level.

Feeney took charge of Rovers last December ahead of the start of pre-season and has lead the side to a comfortable 8th place finish, finishing up with twenty points.

The squad was assembled within a number of weeks and compromised of players from both inside and outside the club with a number of current Under 17 or 19 players from our Academy being part of the squad.

Emma Doherty, our top goalscorer in 2022 with 11 goals, has been nominated for Young Womens Player of The Year for 2022 after an impressive season in front of goal.

Doherty has been capped at Irish Under 19 level throughout the season and was also part of a Republic of Ireland home based training camp back in the summer with Senior Manager Vera Pauw.

The awards will be presented to the eventual winners at the end of season awards night at The Gibson Hotel on November 24th.

Sligo Rovers are seeking applications for the role as Head Coach of our Women’s Under 17 team for the 2023 season.

The Bit O’ Red Under 17 Women enjoyed another strong year on the pitch in 2022 under then Head Coach Aaron O’ Connor, reaching the League Semi-Final where they lost to Cork City at The Showgrounds last month.

The position of Under-17 Women’s Head Coach is key to the ongoing development of our elite Academy players and will play a significant role in their development through this team and onto our Under 19’s and or Womens Senior team. The role will provide valuable experience for the successful candidate of working with an elite group of players in an professional environment.

Job Description

– Help club achieve its vision to ‘Build a brand that is associated with excellence on and off the pitch for women’s football, to be considered as an example of excellence and best practice, and one of the major developer of players within the country at underage, and eventually senior level’.
– The development and nurturing of a pool of elite players to facilitate their current and future success as individuals and as a team.
– Organise, plan and deliver a suitable player development programme in line with the FAI and Sligo Rovers coaching syllabus.
– Uphold the clubs code of conduct and implement club’s vision on and off the pitch.
– Set high standards for the players both on and off the pitch.
– Create and maintain appropriate communication with players / parents / clubs / leagues and any stakeholders relevant to the team
– To work with the media in any area regarding Sligo Rovers FC.
– Ensure the club adheres to FAI & Women’s National League rules and regulations and competition rules. . 
– To ensure that all delivery satisfies the clubs safeguarding and welfare procedures 

Job Specification:
The ideal candidate will have skills and experience in the following areas:

Essential Criteria
– A current valid UEFA B Licence holder as a minimum.
– Successful candidate will be subjected to garda vetting clearance. 
– Up to date Safeguarding 1 / Child Welfare Certificate.
– An ability to produce verbal and written reports.
– Access to both email and phone.
– Experience and enthusiasm for coaching and mentoring elite young players and coaches.

Desirable Criteria
– Administrative and organisational skills.
– Previous experience of coaching in female game.
– Coach mentoring experience.

Abilities / Skills / Knowledge: 
– Has the leadership ability to inspire a team to play to their maximum potential.
– Ability to communicate and implement club’s philosophy as head coach.
– Excellent communication skills with the ability to build meaningful, strong strategic relationships with players, staff and officials.
– Understanding of learning, development and high performance with a proven ability to create optimum and challenging learning environments for players.
– Strong existing relationships within women’s football in North-West.
– Must be available for games / training at weekends and evenings.
To apply for this position please email your CV with a cover letter by Monday, November 14^th at 5pm to Conor O’ Grady, Head of Academy, Sligo Rovers FC at ogrady.27@hotmail.com