Sligo Rovers chairman Tommy Higgins has welcomed the appointment of Steve Feeney to the role of women’s manager.

Feeney has been recruited from Ballinamallard to be in charge of the side and will shortly build a backroom team.

The Rovers CEO has heralded the appointment amid an exciting time for the women’s game.

“Steve is greatly admired in football in Sligo and I believe this is a wonderful appointment for the club.

“The position is a coveted one – a historic first senior women’s manager of Sligo Rovers – and in Steve we have a respected figure who is already a hugely talented coach. He has experience of several years at Ballinamallard and their disappointment in losing him speaks volumes about what a great acquisition it is for Sligo Rovers.

“This is a first managerial step for Steve and while we understand the job is going to take a lot of work in these early years, we will support him in whatever way we can.

“Steve’s remit as he takes on the job will simply be to develop the team, transition the players into senior football and be competitive. Conor O’Grady will work with Steve and the academy coaches as they grow the female side of the club. The potential is enormous and our players now have what we believe will be a fantastic manager.”   

Sligo Rovers head of academy Conor O’Grady will liase with Feeney, along with CEO Colin Feehily, as they develop the side.

Sligo Rovers head of academy Conor O’Grady: “When I joined the club as head of academy and I spoke to Colin Feehily and the committee about coaches I think would excel at the club, Steve was right up there at the top of the list.

“The position of women’s manager has materialised and I think Steve is the perfect candidate so I’m delighted he has taken the role.

“In the coming days and weeks, both Steve and I and the academy coaches will be covering every base on how we grow the player pool for the senior team. That will include some academy players stepping up to senior obviously and overall I want the pathway of Aaron O’Connor to Darragh Healy to Steve Feeney, ie Under-17 to Senior, joining up together.

“That will start from the very first days and continue forever more. 

“I’ve known Steve for a long time as a player in Sligo and we spent a lot of time together with Ballinamallard as well. He’s very intelligent and a deep thinker as a person and a coach. He will fit naturally into the club and his manner will be perfect for the role and especially at the stage we’re at.

“Expectations need to be sensible early on. There will be hard days and our academy girls have done so well since joining the WNL in the last couple of years. We should be very proud of that. The step up to senior is a very different level as you’re facing international players in many games.

“It will take time and as a club we’ll take on the tough early days and keep in mind our overall goal to have a very competitive Sligo Rovers team. It may take several years to grow to where we want to be  one day – down the line – and I stress that it will take that time period – challenging amongst the most experienced sides in the country.

“I look forward to working with Steve and linking the academy and senior side for the betterment of football all over the region.”

Steve Feeney has been appointed as the first ever manager of the Sligo Rovers women’s team ahead of their debut season in the Women’s National League.

A former Sligo Rovers player, Feeney has spent the last decade with Ballinamallard as a player and coach.

• Read: Rovers chairman and academy chief welcome appointment of Feeney

Whilst playing under Paul Cook in the Showgrounds, he was part of the underage and A team coaching staff as well as taking some senior sessions.

Feeney has coached with Summerhill College and local teams intermittently but following his retirement he became a coach at the Northern Irish side.

Today he has returned to Sligo Rovers as he takes on the task on managing the new Rovers side.

The UEFA ‘A’ licence holder said: “It’s very exciting. It’s my first senior job as a manager so that alone is exciting, but the fact it is Sligo Rovers and the first ever WNL team is something else really.

“It was a privilege to be offered this position. Leaving Ballinamallard was a very tough decision, working under a brilliant manager like Harry McConkey. It was a little bit sad to leave it behind but the opportunity and the challenge here was too appealing to turn down.”

Feeney’s immediate task will be to assemble a Rovers team. Plans have already been made ahead of a series of meetings this week with club staff and officials.

Part of the appeal of the job was the credibility the club had built up in supporting its academy teams and Feeney sees that as a model to build his side.

In recruiting players, he wants ambition to be just as important as talent.

“We need to get a team in place, players signed, before we then move on to pre-season plans. We have a list of players we are going to make contact with imminently.

“We also have the academy players so we’ll be talking to the coaches about who are ready to step up.

“We have our link-up with IT Sligo and I’ll be building relationships there as soon as possible. The scholarship system is brilliant and offering education on top of playing at this level is a massive bonus. It’s a great link-up and I think it could get stronger and stronger if we all work together.

“I think it’s important that it is not just a gesture that Sligo Rovers are going to put a women’s team in the league for the sake of it.

“If you look at the underage system here, it’s a good example of how the club has approached things. At the time it could have just been a licencing necessity and over the years it has been shown that the club has really backed it.

“The girls at the Under-17 and Under-19 are heading in the same way so it’s great now that we have a senior team.

“The league table in the WNL shows a gap between the top three, then a few more, and then the last three. It was a three tier league so we’ll see how we go.

“The big thing for us is to get players on board and find a way of playing that works for us. We have to focus on us and make sure we are competitive in every game. Where we can pick points up, we’ll need to do it. I have no doubt it will be a tough league. But at the same time, it’s a great opportunity and challenge for our players. The top teams will have two or three Irish internationals playing for them.

“Any player who signs for us, they will be facing international players and if that doesn’t excite them, then it probably isn’t for them. We will look at ourselves and push to win points when we can.”

Rovers will play matches in the Showgrounds and Feeney hopes to see supporters get behind the team.

“It would be brilliant to get big crowds and the fact the games are on the main pitch. As well as supporting our own players, we’ll have these big name players in opposition that you would normally only see in Dublin or on TV.

“We hope the Sligo Rovers fans get behind this team from the off and our plan is to make them all proud and the women’s side of the club gets stronger and stronger.”

Sligo Rovers can confirm the club will use our current JOMA Sport home and away jerseys for the 2022 season as part of our commitment to make football affordable for all and sustainability in our community.

JOMA Sport partnered with Sligo Rovers in 2016 and have been a superb fit for the Bit O’ Red.

The Bit O’ Red’s financial model is based on fundraising and support of our loyal supporters, sponsors and the public.

In difficult times, particularly during the pandemic, the support of the stakeholders in Sligo Rovers drives us forward.

This season the club gifted parents a jersey for every new born baby in Sligo University Hospital.

To date, 1,200 free jerseys have been distributed free of charge through the venture in association with the Bit O’ Red Supporters Trust.

The club has taken the decision to keep both home and away shirts for the new season as a further show of gratitude to our thousands of benefactors.

Sligo Rovers chief executive Colin Feehily said: “As we build for the new season, we are delighted to see our Annual Draw total continue to grow with just over a week to go. The fundraiser is our principle event in the year so every ticket sold is a huge help to the club.

“Our season tickets and JOMA Sport merchandise range are proving very popular and particularly in the new INTERSPORT Elverys store in Sligo. We believe the 2022 season will be a very exciting one again and our hope is The Showgrounds will be packed to capacity on the opening night of the year.

“We’re also aware of the financial hardship of the Christmas period and the additional expense on our supporters as they get behind us.

“With that in mind, in 2022 we will maintain not just our home jersey but our away kit as well with a view to easing the pressures that Christmas can bring.

“The 2021 away jersey proved the most popular we’ve ever had thanks to the superb design and quality of the JOMA Sports production.

“We’d like to reassure families in particular that this jersey will be used again next season, as well as our home kit.

“Through the free jersey venture, the red pin stripe shirt will strike a chord for many different generations of supporters. For some it was their first kit, for others it brought the best results following the Bit O’Red, and we want to create even more memories wearing it.

“Both jerseys will be maintained and stay on sale in our club store and on SRFCDirect.com.”

Speaking about the Annual Draw, he added: “We’ve been restricted on selling tickets going door to door due to the Covid-19 situation. As a result, it has impacted on sales.

“The total is €18,000 this morning and we’re hopeful it will rise significantly in the next eight days. Online has proven a good alternative for fans to buy so if you can support, please do so.”

A third choice jersey will also be developed as per previous seasons.

Click here to buy a ticket for the Sligo Rovers Annual Draw

Sligo Rovers have been accepted into the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League from the 2022 season onwards. 

As part of the entry into the WNL, the women’s team will play all home games at the Showgrounds.

The women’s management committee will be amalgamated into the overall club committee and the Bit O’ Red will continue to seek additional female representation on the club’s board.

IT Sligo have partnered with Sligo Rovers as part of the move to join WNL as female players follow their male counterparts in securing scholarships to study at third level and play for the Bit O’ Red.

Sligo Rovers chairperson Tommy Higgins has welcomed a historic moment for the club.

“This is a hugely significant development for Sligo Rovers. It completes the pathway for our academy female teams and gives them the same opportunities as their male counterparts which is so important.

“We have been conscious that a club of our stature – which represents the north-west in senior football – have not been competing at senior level and as a result prioritised our entry into the WNL as quickly as possible.

“Our club is based on inclusivity and community. Our female team will receive the necessary support in order to grow and compete at a national level.

“This development also complements the great work been done by the local Sligo-Leitrim clubs in growing the number of girls playing football and help participation levels.

“Today is the beginning of a new and exciting time for female football in the region. I’d like to thank IT Sligo for their ongoing support of football and helping us take this seismic step.”

Dr Chris O’ Malley, Vice President for research, innovation and engagement at IT Sligo, said:

“IT Sligo is delighted to work with Sligo Rovers on this great new development for women’s soccer in the region. It represents a major milestone in the further development of our partnership.”

Sligo Rovers have an Under 17 and Under 19 team currently playing in the Women’s National Leagues in those age groups.

Rovers head of academy Conor O’Grady added: “We’ve been very proud of our Under-17 and Under-19 teams in the progress they’ve made in these early years.

“Undoubtedly they deserve the pathway of a senior team and future international players will come through Sligo Rovers teams in the years to come. We already have reached that stage at underage level and we will get stronger and stronger.

“We have already have plans in place for next season. We will be in a growth phase as we join the WNL and I know the club will give all we can to support the players and coaches.”

Further announcements on the Sligo Rovers team in the WNL will be made shortly.

Shane Blaney has signed a new contract with Sligo Rovers as the defender looks forward to a second season at The Showgrounds.

The 22-year-old was restricted by injury during 2021 but still made an important contribution to the Bit O’ Red in the third-place finish.

The Donegal man joined Rovers from Doncaster Rovers last January and quickly took to life in Sligo.

“I’ve absolutely loved it here to be honest so signing back was a very easy decision. The set-up, the people behind the scenes and just the club overall is top class.

“I love that the town is so engrossed in football and about Sligo Rovers. I came from Under-23 football in England to here where every result counts for so much and the impact of a win or a defeat is huge. It’s what you want as a player.

“The best part of the season for me was when I got the run of games in the summer and it made getting the injury all the worse. It transpired it was a fracture but I was playing through that for nearly all of the games. We only discovered afterwards that it was the case.

“In the end we just had to sort it out so I did miss all those months. It was a bit of a nightmare in truth but we spoke at the club and knew it had to be fixed.”

Blaney returned with a standout display against Bohemians on the final night of the season – similar to another excellent performance when Rovers were a man down away to Dundalk earlier in the year in which Blaney was key.

“Getting back on the pitch against Bohemians meant a lot because I put in a lot of work to be able to play again this year. It wasn’t an injury to rush back from as the risk of it happening again was there without a proper recovery. I was delighted to play and I felt I did well on the night.

“I do feel the injury held me back a lot. I missed pre-season games last year as well and now with the work we’re doing now and pre-season to come, I’ll be ready to go for the new season. Nobody has seen the best of me yet. I can’t wait to show it. There’s great competition, not just at centre-half, but all over the pitch and if we want to go challenge at the top we need that squad.

“Last season is done now, we can be very happy with finishing in the top three but that’s got to be a target every year. The gaffer has been building each season and I feel we have to keep aiming higher. We all know the quality in the squad and I’m very happy to sign again.”

Manager Liam Buckley said: “Shane is a very good defender first and foremost. He has shown that on the pitch and over the course of the year he did well and was an important of the group. I’m delighted he has committed for next season.

“He’s a tremendous striker of the ball and he will benefit from this last year even when it has been disrupted. We also used Shane in midfield on a couple of occasions as well because he has attributes to go in there if needed.

“We saw on the final night of the year against Bohs what Shane is about because he was absolutely superb and great credit to him. It took a lot of hard work and patience to get back to that point.

“We’ve got three top class centre halves which is great from our point of view. We are building a squad for the next season and a bigger one than this year. Securing Shane for next season is another boost for us and we are pleased with where we are at this moment in time.”

Details of the 2021 Annual Draw can be found below.

The draw takes place on 22 December with a top prize of €5,000.

As our means of selling has been restricted by Covid-19 regulations, we encourage supporters to buy online.

Buy tickets here.

Will Fitzgerald has become the first new signing for Sligo Rovers for the 2022 season.

Fitzgerald featured in all but one of Derry’s games this season, contributing seven assists over the year and continuing his fine career so far in the League of Ireland.

The Limerick man has played over 80 games in the league despite just being 22, having previously featured for his hometown club and Waterford FC.

He said: “I feel there is something very exciting happening here. I just couldn’t say turn it down when I spoke with Liam. I had such a good feeling that I knew it was the right decision to sign. The main takeaway from the talks we had was the style of football, and the philosophy that Liam has, and that it will suit me perfectly.

“I’m 22 now and I want to take on more responsibility and really make a mark. I’ve always backed myself and I feel I’m at the point now to take that next step and the development phase a player is coming to an end.

“For me the progress Sligo Rovers has made as a club and under Liam is only leading to one thing and that is challenging for trophies. I feel it’s a perfect match because I’m just so motivated to help the club and myself to get to the next level.”

Fitzgerald played against Rovers in one of his first appearances as a professional for Limerick in 2018, with the experienced of lining out in front of a 3,000 crowd staying with him.

An accomplished winger, he feels the new environment will be an ideal setting for him.  

“I play my best football wide right or on the left. I like to get one on one against the defender and there’ll be no better place than the Showgrounds when the crowd is behind you.

“One of my first memories as a player in the league was against Sligo Rovers on the opening day and the stadium was packed. I thought at the time how incredible it must be to be a home player with that backing.

“I know some of the group already, like Robbie McCourt, and it’s well-known what a great club it is. There is European football here which was another factor which helped in my decision but in truth everything was pointing to a move here.

“I’m just really excited to start and I want the 2022 season to be a really special one for everyone.”

Rovers boss Liam Buckley admitted he has been monitoring Fitzgerald for some time and is thrilled to get his man.

The 2022 squad now has 17 players as Buckley continues to build for the new year.

Liam Buckley said: “Will is a player who has been on my radar for a couple of years. I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring him to the club now.

“Will has so many great attributes. His crossing is excellent, he can run at players, he’s a great passer of the ball and overall he just has buckets of ability.

“He can play on the wing or centrally and with the ball at his feet he is a real danger. Will was with Derry last season and I think he has done well at every club he’s been at.

“I look at the overall group and I see so much potential improvement in the players we have. That is something to look forward to next season.

“Will fits into that category because he’s been a very good player in the league for a number of the seasons and he can be even better. We will give him that platform and he can make a real impact here.”

Niall Morahan has signed a new two-year contract with Sligo Rovers, the club are delighted to announce today.

Morahan, 21, made the most appearance in the Bit O’ Red midfield this year, with only Garry Buckley playing more over the course of the season in the overall squad.

Having won the club’s Player of the Year in 2020, he continued his progress with 31 appearances in all competitions as Rovers sealed a third place finish this season.

A product of the club’s academy, Morahan has now lined out in over 75 senior games.

A total of 16 players are now signed for the Bit O’ Red next season. Nine of those are from the club’s academy.

Morahan has been one of the biggest success stories since joining from Carrick Town and as he enters his fourth senior season next year, he is excited what the future holders are Rovers continue to climb the table each season.

Morahan said: “I was very grateful to get the chance this season and to play as much as I did was brilliant. The gaffer has been preaching continuous improvement since he has been here and that is what we all want.

“It was a bittersweet season in a way. We achieved our aim as was set out at the start of the season but at the same time I think we left some things behind. From where we were in the summer time and the European game, that was something we have to learn from. For a lot of us that was the first time to play in Europe. It was a great experience even though it was a such a disappointment and it only makes us hungrier to learn from it and win games next season.

“I’ve been here for a good few years and my aim recently has been step up and become of one of the experienced players and someone for the next crop of players coming through to look up to. Most importantly it’ll be to be in the team and keep improving. We all feel we can build on this position and get to the next level so it’s just about working hard to get there.”

Manager Liam Buckley said: “Niall has done fantastically well for us. We’ve been delighted with the progress he has made.

“Over the last two years Niall has played more games than anyone which is a real credit to him. We put faith in the players here for a very good reason. We know how good they are and that they will continue to develop. Niall is one of the best examples of that because in these years he’s been part of two top four finishes with the club and that is not easy in this league. It takes a lot of hard work and he can take a lot of pride in that.

“It has been beneficial for Niall to be around the likes of Greg Bolger and David Cawley. They’ve been there and done it. We want competition within the group and we will have a bigger and a stronger squad next year. That’s going to be the challenge for every player as we go forward but it will make them all the better for it.”

Speaking about the overall squad, Buckley said: “It’s important for us to keep the core group and add to it.

“The process is ongoing and we will look to add some new faces as well because every window we look to improve the squad.

“We want to move it forward and we will only do that by continually being better as a whole.”

Mark Byrne has signed a new contract with Sligo Rovers, the club are delighted to announce.

The 21-year-old was part of the first-team squad in 2020 but this last season he made a significant breakthrough with 25 appearances in all competitions.

The Mayo man has been rewarded with a new deal at The Showgrounds with 15 players now signed up for the 2022 campaign. He has signed a two-year deal.

“I feel I contributed more this year which is what I wanted and 25 appearances overall was great.

“I like to think I’ve matured a lot. There’s a great dressing-room here and I’m delighted to a part of it.

“The gaffer speaks with me every day. He has a job for every player in every game and he’s always speaking about what he feels I can do.

“I’m ready for the new season already because I think I can really step forward.”

Liam Buckley said: “Mark has done very well for us and we’ve been delighted. He started some very important games this season.

“I think he started a third of our league games and came off the bench for as many so he has been a valuable part of the squad.

“Mark is another player who has come through the academy here and has grown into a role in the senior group.

“I do feel you have to play in the league to appreciate it and as you go through year one and year two, you become more accustomed to it. This season was a big one for Mark and we’ll see him as an even better player next season.

“We try to give Mark licence as a forward player to influence the game because we see that he can. He certainly deserves this new deal.

“We are looking to build a bigger squad for next season. We will try to add some new faces and there is undoubtedly improvement within the group as well. We finished the season in third place on merit and building on that is the overall aim.”

Season tickets for the 2022 SSE Airtricity League season are now on sale here.

Supporters have the chance to reserve their own seat for every league game in 2022 and priority tickets for European and FAI Cup matches.

This year the post-Christmas price increase for season tickets will not apply with a standard rate all year around and discounted from the previous January rates.

Supporters who buy their season ticket on or before December 5^th are guaranteed a pre-Christmas delivery.

Those who purchase after will receive a Sligo Rovers Season Ticket token which can be used to form a Christmas Present.

Gold – Secure Your Seat – Season Tickets:

A Sligo Rovers Gold Season Ticket allows the supporter to select their favourite seat in the ground and have it reserved for every game of the season. Whether you work late and can only make kick off, enjoy a pre-match tea or coffee in the clubhouse, or you simply want to wait until the last minute to avoid the cold, your seat is secured.

Gold season tickets will work out at an extra €3 per match.

Gold tickets will be offered in all categories.

Adult Season Tickets:

Adult season ticket prices cost €240.

An adult Gold ticket costs €300, where you can reserve your seat for every game, as explained above.

Gold Season tickets are continuing to prove extremely popular with an increase in demand each season. Due to Covid-19, this has not been applicable for the last two seasons so next year you can guarantee your seat once more.

Student and Concession categories:

We are again offering discounted rates for second and third level students. Secondary school tickets are €100, around half the amount you would pay by paying on the gate each week, and Third Level Student tickets are €160, saving you around €20 for the season. Upgrade to a Gold Save Your Seat ticket for just €220.

Bit O Red supporters who are unemployed can purchase a concession season ticket, with an up to date letter required from your local Intreo office to show your you are not working.

OAP/Senior Citizen Tickets:

These tickets are €160 for 2022, with the gold option just €220. Again proof of concession will be required.

Pricing for our concession tickets are among the most competitive in the League of Ireland as we stress affordable football for all.

Super Reds:

Our fantastic Super Red offer will again remain for 2022.

Season Ticket prices will be €60 for kids aged 12 and under, but this season they will get even more.

As well as entry to every league game, they will receive an official Sligo Rovers Training top as well as access to our Super Red open day and other perks such as priority booking on European Tickets and Kids Camps.

At the Super Red Open day they meet the first team players and be put through their paces by Rovers management staff in an hour long coaching session. Kids will also receive a birthday card in the post in time for their big day in 2022, signed by their favourite player. This is all part of the fee of just €60.

To purchase your ticket online, visit www.srfcdirect.com

To purchase your ticket, you may also visit one of the following outlets:

• Showgrounds office (from now)
• Barton Smith, Hyde Bridge, Sligo
• Johnston Court Shopping Centre stall (from December)
• Collery Menswear, Grattan Street
• Greenan Electrical, Boyle
• Collerys Shop, Beltra
• John Gillespies, Tubbercurry
• Centra Gurteen
• Lavins Menswear Ballymote
• Tony Quinn, Cliffoney
• Michael Toolan, Achonry
• Jim Gartlan Carrick on Shannon

You can buy online at any time on SRFCDirect by clicking here.

For queries, please contact 071-9171212 or e-mail administrator@sligorovers.com.

Supporters who purchase Gold tickets will be contacted directly by the club in time to save your seat.