Sligo Rovers are thrilled to announce that defender Shane Blaney has returned to the club on a loan deal from parent club Livingston, until June 30th 2026, subject to international transfer clearance. 

The Letterkenny native re-joins Rovers following a three-year spell in the Scottish Premiership with both Motherwell and Livingston. The 26-year-old initially arrived at the Bit O’Red ahead of the 2021 season, following spells in England and played 45 times for the club before joining Motherwell in 2023. 

Blaney will be best remembered for his spectacular long-range set-piece strike against the Scottish side at the Showgrounds in 2022, when Rovers famously dumped the ‘Well out of the Europa Conference League. 

His performances over both legs of that tie earned him his move to Fir Park where he featured 54 times before he moved on to Almondvale Stadium and to ‘Livi’ last summer. 

With the league kick-off just two weeks away, Blaney’s signature brings to 21 the number of players signed ahead of the first game of the season in Derry on February 6th. 

Talking to sligorovers.com, Blaney says that the familiar surroundings of Sligo and the Showgrounds is the ideal place for him to be right now. He also hopes to bring the experience of playing at a higher level to the club, as Rovers face into a 21st consecutive season of Premier Division football. 

“I found out last week that there was a possibility of coming back”, Shane explains. 

“So I spoke to Livingston and obviously I’ve had a rough year in terms of injuries so it’s important that I get back playing and enjoying it. I spoke to a few clubs but John Russell was on the ball and to be honest, there’s no place better for me to be playing football so I jumped at the chance and I’m really looking forward to getting going.

“John played a huge part. We’ve stayed in contact all through the time I’ve been away. I have a great relationship with Casey, (Richard) Brush and John so it’s all very familiar to me. I loved their ideas and their enthusiasm in wanting to push the club to the next level. The squad is keen to get a good buzz going around the north-west and getting some good results and you can really feel that already. 

“I’ll be bringing experience back with me. Under John and Ryan (Casey), I got a lot of confidence back and that helped me when I was heading to the UK. I’ve played a lot of big games in the Scottish Premier, so hopefully it’ll stand to me. I want to leave Rovers in a good spot when it’s my time to head off again.”

Mentioning his ambitions for his loan spell back at Rovers, the centre half says he is keen to add to what was an enduring few years he spent in Sligo. 

“Playing here, we had a great changing room. It was so good”, he recalls. 

“The spell we had in Europe was brilliant and was a major highlight of my career. But that’s all in the past and I want to help my team achieve something similar now. 

“I’ve watched a good bit of the league since I left. The games are really exciting and the brand of football is very good. I’ve been back here a few times in the Scottish off-season to see some of my friends playing and the games are always good.”

First team boss Russell welcomed Blaney back to the fold, saying he always kept an eye on Shane’s progress throughout his time across the Irish Sea. 

“I’ve always kept in touch with Shane”, Russell reveals. 

“We have a really good relationship and when there was a chance to get him back, I was very keen to do so and I’m sure our fans will be thrilled to see him back.

“He plays with real aggression and he’s competitive but he’s also calm in possession. I love his attributes as a player and he knows how we work in Sligo and the league. So that will help him hit the ground running. 

“He will be a big influence both on and off the pitch and has played at a high level for a few years now. That experience will be invaluable to our current group.

“We need to manage him early on as he’s just back from an injury but there are so many games between now and the end of June so we’ll carefully manage that.” 

David Goulden 

*Players signed for 2026 season: Shane Blaney (loan until 30/6), Maï Traoré (loan until 30/6), Liam Hughes, Ryan O’Kane, Ciaron Harkin, Jeannot Esua, Daire Patton, Alex Nolan, Carl McHugh, Ollie Denham, Sam Sargeant, Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds, Sean Stewart, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh, Archie Meekison, Will Fitzgerald, Seb Quirk, Kyle McDonagh and Jad Hakiki. 

Sligo Rovers are pleased to confirm that the club have reached an agreement with EFL League Two side Notts County which will see striker Maï Traoré join the Bit O’Red on loan until June 30th 2026, subject to both work permit and international transfer clearance.

The 26-year-old Guinean centre forward links up with the Bit O’Red having starred in several leagues across the continent before joining County and has been capped at underage level for his country.

Traore started off in Congo with AC Ujana before signing up with Swedish side Vasalunds, scoring 23 times, contributing eight assists and winning Division One with them in 2020.

His exploits in front of goal didn’t go unnoticed and Mai was recruited by current Norwegian champions Viking for the following season.

Traoré’s name will be familiar to Rovers fans. His time at Viking included a goal against Sligo in the qualifying rounds of the Europa Conference League in 2022. He scored Viking’s third in their first leg win in Stavanger in August, before he played the first half of the second leg at the Showgrounds.

The Conakry native has also spent time on loan in Belgium and with Norwegian side Tromso before a spell with Fredrikstad, with whom he scooped the Norwegian Cup, saw him earn the move to England and to Nottingham one year ago.

“We wanted to bring in a centre forward who has pace and is direct in transitions and Mai matched those characteristics”, Rovers boss John Russell says of his latest signing as he explained why he feels the player will fit in well at the Showgrounds.

“He’s played at a really good level in his career so far. We obviously know him first hand from the Viking game a few years ago so we’ve seen just what he can do and how he can punish teams.

“He has excellent movement in the box and with the attacking talent we have within our team, we can create chances for him.

“I know there’s a great motivation within Maï to come here, make an impact and score goals. We’re really delighted that he’s joined us.”

Traoré will be the first Guinean to play for the club. He says he is keen to make the very most of the opportunities this loan deal will give him.

He is also excited to play in front of the Showgrounds faithful once again, with a mark having been left on him since his last visit almost four years ago.

“Rovers feels like the right club for me at the moment”, he says.

“I already knew the club from playing against them in Europe and that gave me a good understanding of the environment and what the club is like.

“We (Viking) obviously had a four-goal lead going into that second leg so it was so incredible to see the Showgrounds sold out, the noise was fantastic. It felt like the whole place had come out to support the club and the team certainly fed off that. I think we might have been lucky to come away with just the one goal defeat that day.

“I want to play in front of such an atmosphere and I cannot wait to make my debut.”

Traoré will bring the number of first-team players signed for the coming year back to twenty following the sale of Patrick McClean to Derry City.

The big striker says he’s keen to make the very most of his latest career move.

“I love the ideas the manager has and the way he wants this team to play”, he sparks.

“Of course, the opportunity to play regularly and be an important part of the team is a big factor for me. I want to repay the faith.

“It’s a tough, physical league. I expect intensity, but that will help me grow as a player. I love to be involved all the time, press and play. I want to attack space, combine with team mates and finish chances. I want to play as much as I can, score as many as I can and contribute both on and off the pitch.”

David Goulden

*Players signed for 2026 season: Maï Traoré (loan until 30/6), Liam Hughes, Ryan O’Kane, Ciaron Harkin, Jeannot Esua, Daire Patton, Alex Nolan, Carl McHugh, Ollie Denham, Sam Sargeant, Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds, Sean Stewart, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh, Archie Meekison, Will Fitzgerald, Seb Quirk, Kyle McDonagh and Jad Hakiki.

Sligo Rovers were delighted to welcome Uachtarán na hÉireann Catherine Connolly to the Showgrounds this week, marking a historic visit for the club. President Connolly first visited Rovers during her election campaign, where she met staff, volunteers and players from the club’s Football For All team.

Following her inauguration as the 10th Irish President, an open invitation was issued by the club to Áras an Uachtaráin, resulting in this week’s return visit.

Having been welcomed on arrival by Chairperson Tommy Higgins and Albert Higgins, the President met Rovers staff and volunteers, along with players from the club’s academy, Women’s First Team and the National Learning Network group. This was followed by a tour of the club’s outdoor museum with Kevin Colreavy and the Sligo Rovers Heritage Group.

In the hospitality area, President Connolly heard about the club’s ongoing community outreach and inclusion work from FSR Officer Jamie Murphy, while Tom Kelly presented an update on plans to redevelop the Showgrounds.

Proceedings concluded with presentations from Kornel Dabek and Jack Dempsey, who gifted the President a special-edition pink Sligo Rovers jersey from the recent fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute. The Organic Centre also presented a hamper of locally produced goods from Sligo and Leitrim.

Today’s visit was a privilege for everyone associated with the club. We sincerely thank President Connolly and her staff for taking the time to visit the Showgrounds once again and extend our best wishes to her for the remainder of her term.

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that Kelsey McQuillan has agreed to join the club ahead of the 2026 season. The Kildare native becomes the third new addition to the 2026 squad, signing her first senior contract after progressing through the Bohemians academy set-up.

A defender capable of playing at both centre-back and right-back, Kelsey makes the move to the North-West, having spent three years under Gavin Hughes at academy level with Bohemians before a two-year stint in Tallaght. Two years ago, she returned to Phibsborough, linking up with Hughes once more. Having known Gavin for seven years through her time in the Bohemians academy, she was drawn to reuniting with him at Sligo Rovers.

Kelsey made her senior debut for Bohemians last season, coming off the bench against Shelbourne in the All-Island Cup, and was also part of the Bohemians academy side that lifted the FAI Cup in 2025, playing a key role at underage level in last season’s 2–0 victory over Treaty United. She now links up with former teammate Abby Rooney, becoming the second player from that cup-winning squad to join the Bit O’Red.

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Kelsey described signing her first senior contract as a major milestone in her career.

“I’m delighted to be signing my first senior contract with Sligo Rovers. Being able to play senior football on a weekly basis is a massive opportunity for me.”

On the chance to work with Gavin Hughes once again, the defender emphasised how influential he was on her decision.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Gav again. He spoke to me about his plans for the season and I really bought into them. From playing under him before, I know exactly what he can bring to a team.”

When asked about what she brings to the squad, Kelsey added:

“I’d say I’m a very physical and fast player. I’m also a good communicator on and off the pitch and can step up as a leader when needed.”

Rovers manager Gavin Hughes believes Kelsey’s development and mentality make her an important addition to the squad ahead of the new season.

“Over the last few years at academy level, Kelsey has shown real consistency in her personal development, both on and off the pitch. She’s positive, coachable, and consistently looking to improve. Her mindset is exactly what we are looking for at Rovers,” Hughes said.

“She has a strong desire to succeed and an equally strong commitment to the team’s success. On the pitch, she will show the fans her competitiveness, bravery, and willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team. Kelsey is a defender who can operate both as a centre-back and as a full-back. Her versatility and adaptability will be a real strength for us, and throughout the season we are likely to see her feature across the back line depending on team needs at any particular time.”

Kelsey McQuillan becomes the eighth signing announced for Sligo Rovers’ 2026 Women’s Premier Division squad, joining Abby Rooney, Ava Hallinan, Alice Lillie, Bonnie McKiernan, Emma Duffy, Leah Kelly, and Anna McDaniel.

Jack Dempsey

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that Emma Duffy has returned to the club ahead of the 2026 season. The 18-year-old midfielder returns to the Showgrounds following her time with Galway United, having previously progressed through the Sligo Rovers AbbVie Academy.

Emma made the move to Galway United at academy level towards the start of the 2023 season, before earning a senior call-up and making her first-team debut in May that year against Peamount United at Greenogue Park. After being part of Galway United’s senior squads that won the All-Island Cup in 2023 and 2024, she returns to Rovers, bringing experience and technical quality to the squad. The Castlebar native has represented Ireland at multiple underage levels, including as captain.

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Duffy described her return as an important step in her career:

“I’m delighted to return to Rovers after my time away and can’t wait to get going. After speaking with Gavin, I really liked his ambitions and goals for the year, which influenced my decision to come back.”

Reflecting on her development in Galway, she added:

“Playing first-team football in Galway really helped develop me as both a player and a person, as I was constantly competing against top players and learning different things from playing alongside quality teammates.”

On taking on a new challenge back at the Showgrounds, Duffy said:

“I’m really excited to take on a new challenge. After playing with Galway for the last few years, I feel now is the right time to push myself in a new environment. We have great ambitions for the year and it has always been a club I’ve admired. Playing in the Showgrounds has always been a really tough place to play, and I’m excited to be playing there week in, week out.”

Rovers boss Gavin Hughes highlighted Duffy’s qualities as a key reason for her return:

“Emma has a lot of standout qualities that make her a great addition to the team. She’s a very technical player who is always looking to get on the ball. She’s very comfortable in possession and likes to get the ball further up the pitch.”

He continued:

“She’s a very hard-working player who can play anywhere in the centre of the park. She can also step in at full-back if needed. She has a brilliant attitude and, despite her age, has shown a lot of experience at senior level. I’ve no doubt she’ll be a big addition to the group, both on and off the pitch.”

Emma Duffy becomes the fifth player announced by the club for 2026, following Abby Rooney, Ava Hallinan, Alice Lillie and Bonnie McKiernan.

Jack Dempsey

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that Abby Rooney has agreed to join the club ahead of the 2026 season. The 19-year-old midfielder becomes the first player announced for the 2026 Women’s Premier Division campaign, signing her first senior contract after progressing through the Bohemians academy set-up.

Rooney makes the move to the Showgrounds alongside new manager Gavin Hughes, having worked under him at underage level with Bohs.

The Santry native impressed throughout her time in the Bohemians academy, where her technical ability and leadership qualities quickly stood out. Her development with the Bohemians U19s was highlighted by a standout 2025 campaign, captaining the side to FAI Cup success following a 2–0 victory over Treaty United in the final earlier this year. Rooney and Hughes have since reunited at the Showgrounds, where they will look to build on that success together.

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Rooney described the move as a significant moment in her career.

“It means a lot to be able to sign my first senior deal. It’s a big honour for me and my family. I’ve worked under Gavin for the last seven years, so I know he’s delighted too.”

On her decision to join the club, the midfielder highlighted the role Hughes played in bringing her to Sligo.

“Gav was a big part of my decision to come to Rovers. I spoke to him on the phone recently and really bought into his vision for the team. Being able to play senior football on a weekly basis is a massive opportunity for me.”

Reflecting on her long-standing relationship with the new Rovers boss, Rooney added:

“Coming up through the ranks with Gavin has been amazing. I’ve grown a lot as a person, both on and off the pitch, so it’s great to be back working with him in a senior set-up. He knows how to get the best out of me, and I’m really looking forward to continuing my development under him.”

In addition to her underage success, Rooney also reached personal milestones at senior level during the 2025 season. She made her senior debut for Bohemians as a substitute in a 5–2 win over DLR Waves, before making a second appearance later in the campaign in a 3–0 away victory against Waterford.

Her involvement in senior matchday squads also included a league fixture against Rovers at Dalymount Park, where she was named among the substitutes as Alannah McEvoy converted a penalty in added time to secure a 3–2 win for the home side.

Looking ahead to her arrival, Rovers manager Gavin Hughes believes Rooney’s qualities make her an ideal first addition to the squad ahead of the 2026 campaign.

“Abby is a brilliant person and hugely dedicated. She brings real intensity to every training session and every game. She’s one of the fittest players on the pitch and sets high standards through her work rate and consistency. She’s two-footed and very technical, and her understanding of positioning is something she has always been very strong at.”

Hughes also highlighted Rooney’s influence off the pitch and her importance in shaping the group’s culture.

“She’s very mature and professional in everything she does. Abby leads by example and drives standards through her actions. She has the mentality we want, alongside the other leaders in the dressing room, as we continue to build our culture.”

Explaining the decision to make Rooney the club’s first signing of the new season, Hughes added:

“Abby is ready for the challenge and fully committed to the direction we want the group to go in. Making her our first signing was an easy decision. She represents the values, standards and ambition we want to set from day one. We’re really excited to have Abby at Sligo Rovers, and I have no doubt the people of Sligo will love her.”

Abby Rooney becomes the first signing for Sligo Rovers’ 2026 Women’s Premier Division squad, with further re-signings and new additions set to be announced in the coming days and weeks.

Jack Dempsey

Goalkeeper Liam Hughes has joined Sligo Rovers on a one year deal, the club is delighted to confirm.

The 24-year-old joined up with John Russell’s first team recently following the return to pre-season training two weeks ago.

Hughes signs on at the Showgrounds having agreed terms on a twelve-month deal, with the option of a further year.

Born in Craigavon, County Armagh, Hughes made his first team debut for his local side Portadown at the age of just 15 before moving on to Dungannon Swifts on a long-term deal shortly after.

He was signed by current Scottish Premiership Champions Glasgow Celtic in 2018, featuring in the Scottish Youth Cup Final for the Hoops, one year later.

In 2021, he joined last year’s Premier League winners Liverpool and went on to feature regularly at underage level before being called up to the first team for a game against Sheffield United the same year.

Hughes has also been capped at under 17 and 21 levels by Northern Ireland and was called into their senior squad by former Rovers boss and then NI manager Ian Baraclough four years ago.

In early 2024, Hughes moved on to Finland and to Rovers’ 1983 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup opponents FC Haka where he featured regularly in the Finnish top-tier. He is the twentieth player to commit to the Bit O’Red for 2026.

“It is very important we have strength and depth in all positions”, Russell tells sligorovers.com having sealed Hughes’ signature.

“Players must be pushing to get in the team and that includes a top goalkeeper who is able to push Sam Sargeant for a starting place.

“I was keen to bring in a goalkeeper who is ambitious to break through straight away and who has the attributes to impact our team and Liam fits the bill.

“We’re excited to bring Liam to the club. He is a goalkeeper with an excellent profile and someone who has good first team experience from his time in Finland.”

Hughes has already linked-up with his new team-mates and is settling in well with his new Rovers team-mates.

He’s also had a chance to see his fellow net minder in action and knows both himself and Sam (Sargeant) will have to be at the top of their respective games to keep each other on the bench.

Liam is also hoping for a memorable first season between the sticks in the north west.

“I was here just before Christmas to have a chat with John and people at the club and just to see the place”, he tells the club website.

“It’s a great set-up. I knew before coming here how tight-knit the club is within the community and you can feel it just being here. It’s always come across as a very well supported and well-run football club.

“I was really impressed with John from our first talks. He wants to play a certain style of football that suits me as a goalkeeper and both the training set-up and recruitment process is extremely professional.

“Sam’s an excellent ‘keeper. I’ve seen it first hand in training the last few days. We want to push each other as much as possible this season, it’s important for both of us and the team as a whole.

“It’s also huge that we have a settled squad. It’s a great help to have the time to get to know your team-mates well. You have to have that trust in the players in front of you and having these few weeks now to work with everyone is going to hopefully stand to us in the first few weeks of the season.

“It looks like there’s already a great team of players here and there’s strong belief amongst us already that this can be a successful season. I think we have to look at the European spots this season. We certainly have the ambition and are building a squad capable of getting there.”

David Goulden

*Players signed for 2026 season: Liam Hughes, Ryan O’Kane, Ciaron Harkin, Jeannot Esua, Daire Patton, Alex Nolan, Carl McHugh, Ollie Denham, Sam Sargeant, Paddy McClean, Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds, Sean Stewart, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh, Archie Meekison, Will Fitzgerald, Seb Quirk, Kyle McDonagh and Jad Hakiki.

Sligo Rovers Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Gavin Hughes as the new Manager of the Women’s Senior Team, effective immediately.

Hughes brings a wealth of experience from his seven years with Bohemian FC, where he played a key role in the management of the Women’s Under-19 squad. During his time at Bohs, he contributed significantly to the development of young talent within the club’s thriving women’s academy, helping to build strong pathways from underage levels to the senior Women’s Premier Division.

The appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Sligo Rovers Women’s team as they prepare for the upcoming season in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division. Known for his dedication to player development, tactical acumen, and passion for the women’s game, Hughes is poised to lead the Bit O’ Red with a focus on building on the club’s proud history and unlocking its full potential.

Speaking on his appointment, Gavin Hughes said: “I’m incredibly proud and honoured to be appointed Manager of Sligo Rovers Women’s. This is a club with real history, strong values, and huge potential, and I can’t wait to get started with the players and staff as we push forward together.

“I also want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Bohemian Football Club. Seven unforgettable years that shaped me both personally and professionally — I’ll always be grateful for the trust, support, and memories.”

Sligo Rovers Chairperson Tommy Higgins welcomed Hughes: “We are thrilled to have Gavin join us at the Showgrounds. His track record in youth development and his deep understanding of Irish women’s football make him the ideal person to guide our senior women’s team forward. We look forward to an ambitious and successful era under his leadership.”

Hughes will begin working with the squad this week in preparation for the 2026 season.

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that winger Ryan O’Kane has signed for the club on a permanent basis, just days after his loan spell came to an end. The 22-year-old initially joined the Bit O’Red on loan from Shelbourne in July last year and went on to make 14 appearances for the club, scoring twice as Rovers finished the year strongly and caps off 2025 by signing a two year contract with the club who have agreed a undisclosed fee with Shels for the player’s transfer.

O’Kane’s loan deal expired on the last day of November, but Rovers boss John Russell acted quickly in bringing the player back to the north west on a full-time basis. O’Kane is player number nineteen to commit to Rovers for 2026.

Born in Dundalk, O’Kane began his career at Irish League side Warrenpoint, making his debut for them at the age of just fifteen. He went on to sign for his hometown club, arriving at Oriel Park in 2021 and spent four seasons with the Lilywhites before being snapped up by
2024 Premier Division champions Shels following their title win.

O’Kane arrived in Sligo on loan on the first day of the July window and made his mark in a thrilling late win over Cork City on Leeside later that month. Two goals down, an inspired Rovers turned this game on its head courtesy of strikes from Owen Elding, Paddy McClean and a glorious injury time winner from O’Kane.

“It was a game of two halves, wasn’t it?”, O’Kane recalls.

“But it felt like even at two down we could still win the game. That big belief we have in ourselves and each other really shone through. When the ball hit the net, it was an incredible feeling for me. It was probably the best moment of my career so far.

“The second half of the year was so enjoyable. One because of the football we played and the wins we picked up and two because I was back playing week in, week out which I feel is so important for me at this point in my career. I want to keep doing that into 2026.”

Restricted to a handful of appearances at Tolka Park, O’Kane found a new lease of life in Sligo under the tutelage of Russell and Co.

“I really enjoyed my first few months here. It was great to get back to regular first team football under John and back to enjoying what I do”, he tells sligorovers.com.

“The style the manager wants us to play really suits my game and I felt I fitted in well in the way he wants the team to attack. It goes hand in hand really. He was a big factor in me making the move to Sligo. I was eager to make it permanent as soon as I could really.

“John has a great record of developing young players and that’s a big reason why I signed here. He has big plans for the season ahead and myself and it’s something I’m hugely excited about.”

With a return to pre-season only days away and the league calendar set to commence on the first weekend of February, Ryan is already looking forward to a big season at the Showgrounds.

“The squad signed for next season looks brilliant so far. It’s going to be great to see all the lads when we go back for pre-season, I just can’t wait to get going again.

“I feel as if the form we showed in the second half of 2025 can be replicated from the start.

“And if we can do that, then we’ve a great chance to challenge higher up the table. Obviously, what happened in the FAI Cup was a huge disappointment. That comes later in the year, but there’s still a big want within the group from last season, to try and make up for that.”

Welcoming O’Kane back to the fold, Russell outlined the reasons why he was so keen to get his man back to Sligo as soon as his loan deal finished.

“He has such a high ceiling”, John says of O’Kane.

“We brought him here because of his willingness and ability to take players on. He’s got lightning pace, a brilliant ability to change direction and he impacts the game in the final third with goals and assists. We want to help Ryan show more of that in 2026.

“His mentality is excellent. He works so hard for his team-mates and constantly wants to listen to how he can improve his game. Our supporters will be excited to hear he’s signed again.

“He made a massive impact in just a few months at Rovers during his loan. I was always keen to try and get him in permanently, so we’re delighted he’s committed his future to Sligo Rovers.”

David Goulden

*Players signed for 2026 season: Ryan O’Kane, Ciaron Harkin, Jeannot Esua, Daire Patton, Alex Nolan, Carl McHugh, Ollie Denham, Sam Sargeant, Paddy McClean, Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds, Sean Stewart, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh, Archie Meekison, Will Fitzgerald, Seb Quirk, Kyle McDonagh and Jad Hakiki.

Sligo Rovers are immensely thrilled to confirm that Men’s First Team Manager John Russell has this week, agreed an extension to his current contract, signing a multi-year deal with the club.

Russell, who has been associated with the Bit O’Red for the best part of fifteen years now, led Rovers to a seventh placed finish last term after a superb second half of the season. His achievements were noted by his peers as Russell finished 2025 with a PFAI Manager of the Year nomination.

The club are delighted to have secured the continuation of the services of one of the league’s outstanding young managerial talents.

Russell initially joined Rovers in 2010 from his local side Galway United as a dynamic attacking midfielder under then manager Paul Cook. He went on to win two FAI Cups, one EA Sports Cup and a Setanta Sports Cup with the club. He also won a Premier Division title with St Patrick’s Athletic in 2013 before returning to Rovers the following season.

He played for the club until 2017 when he retired from football and moved on to manage Mayo League’s Westport United. But his time away from Sligo was relatively short lived as he was appointed assistant to Liam Buckley ahead of the 2019 season.

The 40-year-old took the helm at Rovers mid-2022 and immediately guided the club through two rounds of the Europa Conference League, knocking out Bala Town and Motherwell along the way. Recently crowned Norwegian league champions Viking FK brought an end to that glorious summer run, but Russell did mastermind a win over the Stavanger side in the home leg. He remains the only Rovers manager to guide the club through two rounds of European competition.

Battling against the odds and working with restricted budgets, Russell kept Rovers competitive through the last few years and has been responsible for overseeing the graduation of a host of stars from the Abbvie Academy. Naming but a few, Owen Elding, Conor Walsh, Conor Reynolds, Ed McGinty and Gareth McElroy have all prospered in League of Ireland football since their emergence under Russell.

Most recently, he was responsible for Rovers’ incredible turn in form at the mid-way point of the 2025 season. Occupying the league’s bottom spot for a period, Russell galvanised Rovers with several key summer signings, picking up 29 points from 19 games and finishing the season in seventh position, 17 points clear of relegated Cork City.

“Losing seven or eight starting players from our team in 2024 was always going to make the start of the new season challenging”, John tells sligorovers.com.

“It takes time for new players to settle, build up connections with each other and get used to playing in a new team or a new league. My job during those tough moments is to stay calm, be objective, help the players and find solutions.

“I believe in what we’re doing and it’s important to trust in your work and be consistent in your actions.

“I knew we had issues in the first half of the season and we needed to get to the summer window and bring in better quality to help us. A lot goes into recruitment and we needed to get it right and thankfully we did.

“The players showed resilience, grew in confidence, and started to express themselves more consistently. We saw our academy players step up, our experienced players lead by example, and the team as a whole develop a stronger identity.

“That turnaround wasn’t by chance. It came from hard work, belief, and sticking together. It gives me real optimism heading into the new campaign, because we’ve shown we can come through adversity and finish strongly. The challenge now is to carry that momentum forward and build on it.”

Talking passionately about the honour of managing the club into its 98th year, Russell says he is more keen than ever to propel the Bit O’Red to the next level. He spoke about how tough it can be to lose your best players year-on-year and replace them with suitable alternatives. But he’s proud of the way the club goes about its business, particularly the recent success of the Abbvie Academy.

“From the players and staff to the supporters, who are the lifeblood of the club, this is a place that means a great deal to me.

“I want to build on the foundations we’ve laid over the past few seasons as I believe we can achieve something special. My role is to keep pushing the players, supporting their development, and making sure they have the platform to show their quality. I’m excited to keep building with this squad and to see just how far we can go.

“When you look at the investment going into the other teams in the league over the last few seasons I think the progress of the club has been impacted. The club is doing everything they can to be supportive and give the resources to make us competitive but it’s a massive challenge to make real progress when you lose your best players at the end of each season and you have to rebuild a team.

“Despite the turnover of players, I do feel we have created a clear identity and style of play. The team plays an attractive, attacking style of football and shows no fear. I’m very clear on what I want and I put those demands on the players and staff.

“We have also shown that players improve when they come to Sligo. We like to sign the best young talent, develop them and give them that platform to excel. We’ve sold a lot of players over the past three seasons who have gone on to higher levels. I feel this will be an important part of our model going forward where we need to command better transfer fees and then reinvest that money into the team to help us compete.

“Another area of progression has been our continued promotion and development of players from the academy. I think the emergence and the performances of Owen (Elding) shows what can be achieved.

“From the start, I felt it was vital that young players had a pathway into the first team. Not only does it strengthen the identity of the club, but it also brings energy, hunger, and a fresh perspective into the dressing room.

“We’ve seen players come through who’ve embraced the challenge, grown quickly, and added real quality to the squad. That’s a credit to their attitude and to the academy staff who’ve prepared them so well.

“For me, it’s about balance, blending youth with experience, but giving young players opportunities has been central to our progress. It keeps the club moving forward, it excites the supporters, and it shows that if you’re good enough and willing to work hard, you’ll get your chance.

“There’s also been a real connection between the supporters and the team over the last two seasons. I think they can see the effort, the fight and the togetherness within the team. They see a group of players who leave everything on the pitch and who understand the responsibility of representing this club.”

Pre-season gets underway on Monday, December 15th with eighteen first team players currently signed for the new campaign. New signings such as Archie Meeksion, Carl McHugh, Jeanott Esua and Alex Nolan will begin their Rovers careers. They’ll be joined by those from last year’s squad such as Jad Hakiki, Owen Elding, Paddy McClean and Sam Sargeant as plans are put in place.

Russell explains the importance of doing business as early as possible as he looks for a quick start ahead of what will be another challenging year.

“It’s massive”, he continues.

“It’s probably the first time we’ve been in this position since I took over. We want to start the season strongly in 2026. To do that, you need the majority of your squad in place.

“The off season is key for players to work on their conditioning and areas of improvement to prepare their bodies for the season ahead. Once pre-season starts, it’s all about developing our style of play, players understanding their roles and responsibilities, building up those connections on the pitch, and building their fitness levels so that we’re ready to start the season fast.

“The ambition for 2026 is to keep driving this club forward. We want to build on the momentum from the second half of last season and be more consistent across the campaign.

“Significant investment at certain clubs as well as the introduction of multi-club ownership models have put serious pressure on our club model and our ability to compete for silverware and those coveted European places.

“We understand this. We know we’re up against it each year but we must continue to innovate, develop and improve the players, stick to our principles and keep believing in what we’re doing.

“Our club is special. Sligo Rovers is more than just a football club. It’s the heart beat of the community. In life, we all want to be part of something bigger.

“Sligo Rovers gives us that opportunity. We know we’re the underdog. We know we’re up against it but I think there is something in us that enjoys the struggle. It means that bit more when we do have success.”

Welcoming the announcement, club chairperson Tommy Higgins says Russell’s traits and his vision for the club heading towards its centenary year, matches that of those who are charged with driving Rovers forward.

“This is another statement of intent from the club”, he states.

“In having John in charge, we have who we believe is the best young manager in the league leading our first team and shaping how the club will evolve over the next few years.

“Last year was another very challenging year for the club on and off the pitch. However, we faced adversity and came out stronger at the far end and John has assembled a really competitive squad already, well ahead of the new season.

“In doing this, he has shown vision and ambition. Sligo Rovers is an ambitious football club. We have big plans off the pitch with the renovation of the Showgrounds and we would dearly love to mark the years around our one hundredth year with success on the pitch.

“We have who we believe is the most ambitious manager in the country leading our first team and that gives us the best chance.

“We’re absolutely delighted that John has agreed this new multi-year deal and we’re really looking forward to 2026 and beyond.”

David Goulden