Sligo Rovers are thrilled to announce that midfielder Matty Wolfe is the latest player to join the club. The 24-year-old has signed a one year deal with the Bit O’Red ahead of the 2025 League of Ireland season which gets underway in just over three weeks time.

A native of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, Wolfe joined League One side Barnsley when he was ten and made his debut for the Tykes against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Championship in 2020 before spending time on loan at both Notts County and Danish side Esbjerg. He returned to his parent club ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, featuring for Barnsley in the Championship once again and in League One. He won Barnsley’s Young Player of the Year award at the end of the 2022 season.

Wolfe has been training with Rovers since the return to pre-season and having impressed boss John Russell, has today signed a 12 month deal. Matty revealed that words from former League of Ireland players, in particular his old teammate and once Shamrock Rovers player Barry Cotter, played a part in convincing him that the Showgrounds was the place to be for 2025.

“I’ve spoken to a few players about playing here”, he tells sligorovers.com.

“Barry said ‘just go’ and that I’d enjoy it. The football seems to be very under-rated over here and the way the teams play in the League of Ireland should suit my style.

“Training has gone really well so far, so I’m really looking forward to getting started now.

“The gaffer was in touch with me through Zoom and I was really interested in what he had to say. The ideas he had, the way he wants this team to play and the ambition he shows really impressed me. I want to be a part of that.”

Wolfe has already tasted life in football away from his homeland following a successful time in the Danish league with the aforementioned Esbjerg.

He’s now focusing on making his second spell away from home as enjoyable as the first.

“I really enjoyed Denmark, it was something new and a very different culture. I was out of my comfort zone, a little like coming over to Ireland, which is good. But everyone here is so welcoming and you can really feel that Sligo Rovers is one of those clubs that matters a lot to the local community.”

Adept at operating in the centre of the park, Wolfe explains his strengths.

He continues: “I can play anywhere in midfield whether that’s as a holding midfielder, securing the defensive side of things, keeping the ball moving. Or whether that’s playing higher and getting in and around the box. I’m happy to play anywhere really though.

“I want to help the team as much as I can and help us get as high up the table as we can.

“I’m looking forward to myself and the team putting in the performances and the rest takes care of itself.”

A recent knee injury affected Wolfe’s game time over the past few seasons. But speaking about his latest acquisition, Russell says he is confident the player is ready to make a big contribution at Rovers.

“It’s exciting to be able to bring a player of the calibre of Matty to the club”, Russell tells sligorovers.com.

“He’s a player with huge potential and is exactly the type of midfielder we need here.

“He’s aggressive and covers the ground as well as being comfortable in possession. A player like Matty really adds quality to the team.

“He has been unfortunate with injury which stalled his early promise at Barnsley. But he has fully recovered now and we want to get him back playing and enjoying his football again.

“I know from our conversations he is excited by the opportunity here and I’m looking forward to working with him this year.”

David Goulden 

Sligo Rovers are thrilled to announce that John Russell has secured the signature of goalkeeper Sam Sargeant ahead of the 2025 League of Ireland season.

Sargeant joins the Bit O’Red on a one year deal having spent the last 18 months with fellow Premier Division outfit Waterford. 

The much coveted 27-year-old played a starring role in the Blues’ magnificent early season form last year, before his year was cut short with injury. 

Sargeant featured 30 times for Waterford in 2024 having signed up at the RSC mid-way through their 2023 promotion season. This followed spells with Leyton Orient, Wealdstone and Barnet amongst others. 

The net minder arrives at Rovers in time to take part in a full pre-season and is expected to compete with Conor Walsh for the number one shirt. Speaking to sligorovers.com, Sergeant says he’s ready to get to work. 

“I spoke with John (Russell) a few times over the phone and I had little doubt where I wanted to be after that”, he says.

“I was very impressed with his whole approach. We had conversations about how I will contribute to the team. I feel it’s a really good fit and I can’t wait to get working with the staff up here as I feel I can really progress along with the team. 

“There’s a lot of experience already here. The players that the gaffer has signed from last year’s squad have proved already that they are more than good enough for this league. I am looking forward to building relationships with all these players. 

“Sligo, the town and county is football mad and it’s all about Rovers here. It’s a big club and I want to build on what I’ve already achieved in Ireland and help bring some success to Sligo.

“We can go as far as we want next season. If we stick together as a group and give everything we have, we know we can compete with anyone in this country.”

The Londoner’s 2024 season was brought to a halt last July when he fractured a bone in his hand in training. Sargeant is hoping months of rehab, recovery and hard work pay off at the Showgrounds as he returns to play. He is also aiming to make experience count going into 2025.

“The injury came at an unfortunate time really. I was in really good form when it happened and it just happened out of the blue. As much as I hated being out injured, it did give me the chance to work on other aspects of my game in terms of strength and leadership and now I’m fully recovered and feel stronger than ever before.

“I want to be a leader both on and off the pitch and use my experience in as positive a way as I can. It’s become a big part of my game since coming into the league.”

Speaking to sligorovers.com following his latest foray into the transfer market, boss Russell says that he too sees Sargeant as a potential figurehead within his squad heading into the new campaign which gets underway against the Sam’s old club Waterford on February 15th. 

“I’m delighted to bring Sam to the club”, Russell says. 

‘He made a big impact in his time at Waterford during his 18 months there. We feel his attributes are perfect for the way we want to play. 

“Sam is a very driven individual and I know he will be a big influence both on and off the pitch. 

“His quality and experience will be a massive asset to our group. We’re all excited to start working with him.”

David Goulden 

Ronan Manning is the latest player to join the ranks at Sligo Rovers ahead of the 2025 season, the club are delighted to confirm. 

The 24-year-old attacking midfielder has signed a one year deal at the Showgrounds and becomes John Russell’s seventeenth signing ahead of the new campaign which gets underway against Waterford on 15th February next. 

The Galway native began his career with local side Mervue before joining Galway United in 2017. He made his first team debut mid-way through that season and became a regular the following year. He moved on to Athlone Town in 2020 and an impressive year which saw him score eight times in eighteen league games, meant Manning attracted the interest of several clubs, with the young attacker electing to return to Eamonn Deacy Park in 2021. 

The former Republic of Ireland underage international missed most of that season with injury but returned in 2022, re-establishing himself as a mainstay in the Tribesmen’s starting sides before going on to win the First Division title with his hometown club in 2023. 

Having signed a 12 month deal at Rovers, Manning is now focused on becoming a regular on Showgrounds soil and says Rovers is the perfect place for him to further develop his craft. 

Speaking to sligorovers.com, he said: “Myself and John (Russell) spoke before the season finished and more so the last few weeks.

“The plan he laid out in terms of the direction Sligo Rovers is going and where he wants to take the club was impressive. Once I spoke to him, there was nowhere else for me.

“I’ve had some bad luck with injuries in the past but I feel I’ve emerged well from all that and I’m looking to put that behind me. I’m feeling at my best now and I’m ready to get going at Rovers.

“The style John likes to play suits my style. The supporters can expect to see someone who’s creative and always wants to get on the ball. I love to run at defenders and make things happen. I feel every player that has signed for Sligo Rovers has become a better player and I feel that can be the case with myself also.”

The once Irish schoolboy international, whose preferred position is at number ten but who is adept on either wing, looks forward to 2025, saying: “Rovers were close to Europe last season and it felt from the outside looking in that they were unlucky not to finish in the top 4. The aim this year has to be Europe and as high a finish as possible. 

“The Waterford game isn’t too far away and I am really looking forward to getting started in Sligo.” 

Commenting on his latest move in the market, boss Russell says he feels Manning can make a real impact in his time in the north west.

“I’ve always admired Ronan”, he comments. 

“He’s a brilliant footballer. I’ve always admired his ability to take the ball under pressure, go past men and make things happen on the pitch. 

“Yes, he’s been unfortunate with injuries at times but this happens sometimes in a footballer’s career, it’s part and parcel.

“He has worked extremely hard in the background and I believe we can get the best out of him. He can have a big part to play next season.”   

David Goulden 

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 

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce the signing of Republic of Ireland under-21 international Jad Hakiki. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder joins the Bit O’Red on a two year deal. 

The Dubliner signs from former club Dundalk having spent the second half of the 2024 season at Oriel Park, following a move from Shelbourne in the summer. He has plenty of game time under his belt having played over 50 times between both the Lilywhites and Shels. 

Comfortable at number ten or out wide, Hakiki was also part of Jim Crawford’s Irish U21 squad which twice faced Sweden in Spain last month. 

The former Cambridge FC man’s addition, brings to 15 the number of players signed up for next season. 

Rovers boss John Russell was a long time admirer of the attacker and Hakiki says the feeling was mutual.

“The manager rang me a while back to tell me he was interested and why Sligo Rovers would be a great choice for me”, he explains. 

“He gave some great insight into how he wants to do things and he spoke my language really. I had other options but my heart was always set on coming here once I spoke to the management team and got a good idea of their plans going forward. 

“I’ve played against Rovers many times and I’ve always liked the way they play so I can’t wait to get into that system. The number ten would be my best position, I feel.”

Looking ahead to the coming season, Jad is feeling optimistic and is raring to get going.  

“I always want to go forward to create chances and score goals. I’d like to think the way I play can excite the supporters. I can’t wait to get going now and be part of a really competitive team, hunting silverware and a European spot.” 

Hakiki’s new boss is also eager to see him adorn the Bit O’Red. 

“Jad is a very exciting signing for us”, Russell says. “He is a player who really caught my eye last season and has bags of ability. He’s able to carry the ball and beat players which is exactly the type of player we need. I want to sign players who will make the difference in the final third so Jad’s creativity will be a big asset for us. 

“He comes to Sligo at a really good stage in his development. He was capped with the 21s recently so we know the type of talent we’re taking on. He is really effective centrally but also can operate in wide areas which will suit us. We’re really looking forward to working with him. I am sure the fans will enjoy watching him too.” 

David Goulden

John Russell has further boosted his attacking options for the 2025 season with the arrival of striker Cian Kavanagh to the Showgrounds. Kavanagh, 21, signs from St Patrick’s Athletic and has penned a two year deal with the Bit O’Red. 

A native of Baldoyle, the promising attacker spent his formative years playing in the Pat’s underage structures before making his first appearance for the club at senior level in early 2019. 

Kavanagh caught the eye of Scottish clubs Hearts and Cowdenbeath and also has plenty of League of Ireland Premier Division experience having subsequently lined out for Waterford and Derry before returning to Inchicore ahead of the 2024 season where he played 21 times. 

The Dubliner officially joins the club this Sunday, December 1st. 

Outlining his reasons for signing with Rovers, Kavanagh says the opportunity arose at the right time for both club and the player. He points to Russell’s keenness to bring him to Sligo as soon as the opportunity presented itself, as a key component in his decision making.  

“John (Russell) was in touch early on and expressed a real interest in bringing me to Rovers”, he explains. 

“After I met with him and he told me about his plans for Rovers for the next few years and how things have been run here, it was a no-brainer for me. I felt straight away how much he wanted to bring me here and that he believes in me and that’s what I need right now.” 

The new striker says he is looking forward to leading the line next term and is eager to get plenty of game time in front of the Rovers faithful. 

“John tries to play expansive football that I think will suit my style”, Kavanagh continues. 

“I want to be on the team sheet every week. That’s going to come down to me putting in a good pre-season and performing day in, day out. I want to score as many goals as I can and hopefully we’ll finish in a high position. A European spot for 2026 would be great.

“The support this club gets every second Saturday from the stands is something that stands out to all visiting players at the Showgrounds, believe me and it really stood out to me. I also remember the noise they made at Richmond Park on their visits to Pat’s last season. They were Monday and Sunday afternoons, the noise they made! It was incredible given the length of journey these fans have to make! 

“Even playing against Sligo the last few years, you always notice the players put in one hundred percent under John and I can’t wait to be one of those players. The fans can expect one hundred percent from me as this is a really big season for me personally. I have a huge chance here and I’m going to give it everything. 

Kavanagh is Russell’s fourteenth signing for next season. The manager says his latest addition ideally fits the profile of the kind of player he wants at his disposal next term.  

“I feel Cian has the ability to become a top centre forward”, Russell says. “We want to recruit the best young talent that we can and Cian is a player who can thrive in our environment and in our team.

“He has a lot of experience for such a young player. He has played and scored goals in European competition and was part of an FAI Cup winning team. He has experience of playing away from Ireland with his time in Scotland and moving to Rovers gives him the opportunity to show people what he can do. 

“We are being patient in terms of recruitment as we were last year. We have to make sure we can recruit the right type of player and character and who will match what we’re looking for. Cian is one of those types of players.” 

Kavanagh joins Ollie Denham, Connor Malley, Wilson Waweru, Conor Reynolds, Gareth McElroy, Daire Patton, Kyle McDonagh, Stephen Mallon, Owen Elding, Kailin Barlow, Francely Lomboto, Will Fitzgerald and John Mahon as part of next year’s first team squad. 

David Goulden