Sligo Rovers play their final match of the SSE Airtricity League season on Friday night against Bohemian FC in the Showgrounds, kick-off 7.45pm.

The Bit O’ Red will finish in third place in the table regardless of the outcome of the game. Bohemians are in fourth place and are looking to seal that position on the season finale.

In team news, Edward McGinty is back after missing last week’s game due to illness, while Greg Bolger returns from injury.

Robbie McCourt was forced off with injury last week but is also fit to play.

Regan Donelon (illness) and Danny Kane (foot) miss out.

Johnny Kenny returns from international duty.

Liam Buckley said: “We were a bit disappointed with our performance last week. I thought we improved in the second half but we still needed to be more clinical in our play. We needed to be more ruthless in general and it’s something we’ll seek to improve in on Friday.

“The pressure is off when it comes to sealing the European place but the pressure isn’t off when it comes to winning games. We owe it to ourselves to finish off this season as best we can.

“Bohemians need a result as we know so it’ll be a tricky game and the games this year have been very competitive. We had a good win in one of the games in the Showgrounds but in general play ther wasn’t a lot in that match.

“One regret over the last two seasons is we were restricted at times attendance wise and that was one of those matches. We would love to put on a performance for everyone here and to give them a reward for their role this season.

“We were down a few players for various reasons last week and there is a better outlook this week. We’ll do our utmost to win the game and sign off in the best way possible. “

Lewis Banks has signed a new contract with Sligo Rovers as he extends his spell at the Showgrounds into a fourth season.

Banks has played over 70 league games in his time in Sligo, becoming a real favourite of the club’s supporters for his tenacious performances.

He was voted the club’s Player of the Year in 2019 before helping the club secure successive European qualifications in the last two campaigns as first-choice right-back.

He is nominated for Player of the Year again this campaign for Rovers.

The 24-year-old is the latest player to sign for 2022, with 14 now committed.

Lewis Banks said: “I’m delighted to sign. When I first signed here qualifying for Europe was the big aim. We’ve done that twice now and it’s a real achievement to do that. I didn’t know what to expect when I left England to come here but next season will be my fourth year and it tells you how much I’ve enjoyed it.

“I’ve good relationships with people at the club and I wouldn’t stay without that. It counts for a lot and I’ve liked playing here for the last three seasons.

“I look back on the year that we finished third and it could have been more with the start we had. I missed pre-season and some of the early games because of an injury. It was tough to get back in but I do find with a good run of games you are far better for it. I had that and felt I contributed over the course of the season.

“I told my Dad I was going to score this season and it was nice to prove it to him. The three goals were all winning goals but the one against Longford is the one that stands out. That was a great moment. I’d like to get more of them next season.

“I think the squad gets stronger every season and that has been reflected in how we have done. We want to keep rising. As much as securing back to back Europe is an achievement, a trophy would really top it off. That would be a different level. We have to aim for that.”

Banks was one of the first new signings made by Liam Buckley.

The Rovers boss is delighted to see the former Stoke City man commit further to the club.

Liam Buckley said: “It’s great to bring Lewis into a fourth season here. He’s been a fantastic player for the club for the last three years.

“His conditioning is second to none. He has come up with some big moments and I’ve been delighted for him. He gives it everything and he has a real feel for the club after these last few years.

“Lewis has slotted in at different roles as well in the team and that reflects his ability as a defender firstly but also as a player.

“The goals he’s scored shows he can play further up the pitch and as we know from the back four he gets up into those attacking areas.

“It’s another quality player in our squad for next season and I’m really pleased.”

Adam McDonnell has signed a contract extension with Sligo Rovers for the 2022 season, the club are delighted to announce today.

The midfielder joined from Boreham Wood in the summer and has made 16 appearances, going on to become a regular in the Rovers side.

McDonnell scored his first goal for the club in the 3-0 win over St Patrick’s Athletic as the Bit O’ Red sealed a place in Europe.

He has signed a new deal today to follow Greg Bolger, Garry Buckley, Colm Horgan, Johnny Kenny and Robbie McCourt in doing so in recent weeks.

McDonnell said: “When I signed last summer I had offers elsewhere in Ireland including in Dublin and coming here just felt right. I knew in the first three days that I was going to enjoy it, even by just being in training.

“It’s the happiest I’ve been in years in football. There are quality players here and the decision to come here last summer has been one of the best I’ve ever made.

“We’re in Europe next year with an unbelievable core group of players.

“The gaffer gives us a freedom to play and to express yourself. I’m happy with what we’ve done in finishing third but 100% there’s more to come from me. With a pre-season under my belt I feel you’ll see the best of me”

McDonnell made two appearances in his first week at the club despite joining when he had finished his previous season two months earlier. Rovers were down a number of players at the time.

“Coming in mid-season and having not played a lot, it does take time but I liked that I was part of it straight away. That’s what I needed. I felt good but with that pre-season next year I really think I’ll be all the better for it.

“I made my debut in the European game and then had to bide my time.  I was loving being in every day and being around the lads. The lads made me welcome straight away. When I joined it was probably when things started to turn with injuries and other stuff so I felt like a bad luck charm!

“The gaffer was the calmest man in Sligo and he kept wanting us to have winning in mind. He’s put faith in me and I love playing with the likes of Greg Bolger, Niall Morahan, David Cawley. Greg put his arm around me straight away when I joined and helped me settle in. I’ve learned things off Greg and I’ve tried to help him as well. We all get along well as a group. It’s just about keeping the head down now and what we want to achieve.

“Being back in Ireland has been great. My friends and family have come down to Sligo regularly and they love coming here too. We’ve got the big game on Friday and then it’s about pre-season. I’m sure the gaffer will be adding to the players already signed and we want that competition. Whoever comes in will have to be quality because the lads here have shown how good they are. I was looking at the Player of the Year list and you see what unbelievable players we have and there’s more not there too who have done well.”

While McDonnell has relished being at the club, and the outcome of the season, the exits from Europe and the FAI Cup in the first days at the club have left some regrets.

“We still talk about the European tie in the dressing-room and the FAI Cup as well. We haven’t forgotten it if we’re honest. That’s something we want to improve upon next year and in the league as well if we can.

“The game on Friday is going to be great to be part of as well. The people and the fans here have been so good to me since I’ve come in so I hope they all come out. Even around the town everyone wishes you well and welcomes you to the area and when you move to somewhere new it’s really nice.

“I’m really happy to stay here and with how the time has gone and I’m excited by what we can do next season.”

Liam Buckley said: “Adam has come in during the middle of the season to big pressure games and he’s acquitted himself brilliantly.

“It’s not easy coming in during the summer and we needed to call on him quickly.  He’s a real footballer and as a midfielder he offers a lot both defensively and offensively. I’m very happy he is committing for next season because in a full season I feel Adam will be even more of an asset.

“He’s earned it, he’s become part of the group with ease and he’ll be a big player for us.”

Voting is now open for the Wehrly Bros Jewellers Sligo Rovers Senior and Young Player of the Year.

Greg Bolger, Robbie McCourt, Lewis Banks, Edward McGinty, Johnny Kenny, John Mahon and Garry Buckley are nominated for Wehrly Bros Senior Player of the Year.

McGinty, Kenny, Mahon, Niall Morahan and Mark Byrne are nominated for Wehrly Bros Young Player of the Year.

Voting will be done by public vote for the Young Player of the Year.

In the senior award, a public vote will make up 50% of the criteria, with local media and football figures making up the remaining 50%.

There will be no social function for the club at the end of the season in what would be the usual awards night due to Covid-19.

Voting is open now and will close on Friday morning.

Click here to vote for Senior Player.

Click here to vote for Young Player of the Year

There will be no capacity restriction at The Showgrounds on Friday night as Sligo Rovers face Bohemians in the final game of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division. Kick-off is 7.45pm.

Pre-booking seats in the main stand is not necessary.

The stadium will be open seating. Away fans will be in the Jinks Avenue Stand as normal.

Fixture:

• Friday 20 November, Sligo Rovers v Bohemians, The Showgrounds, 7.45pm

SEASON PACK HOLDERS

Season Pack holders must bring your season pack booklet and present one ticket at the turnstiles.

If your season pack has expired with no vouchers remaining, you can pay cash at turnstiles. The main stand will be open for all fans on a first come basis.

These is the final home game of the season. If you still have tickets remaining in your pack, any remaining match passes can be used in 2022.

Tickets can be removed from the pack and given to friends or family for the game if desired.

GENERAL SALE FOR HOME FANS

All other home fans can gain entry by paying cash at turnstiles. There will be no online sale prior to the game for home supporters – they can purchase tickets at turnstiles with cash.

AWAY FANS

Bohemians fans can buy tickets at the away entrance.

Bohemians fans will be situated in the usual away section, in sections T, U and V of the Jinks Avenue Stand as well as a standing area.

Sligo Rovers play their final away game of the season on Friday night as the Bit o’ Red travel to take on Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

The Bit O’Red go in search of a first win of the season over the Candystripes. Derry are the only side Rovers not beaten this year, while Liam Buckley’s side have also won in seven of the nine away venues this campaign.

Rovers are set to have a sold out away allocation after hundreds of supporters purchased tickets this week. Details are here of the final tickets.

In team news, Regan Donelon returns from injury. Johnny Kenny is away on Republic of Ireland Under-19 duty. Greg Bolger and Adam McDonnell will have late fitness tests. Danny Kane is ruled out.

Liam Buckley said: “We’ve worked hard over the year to establish the position we’re in. There is no let up from our point of view. The three points is important to us regardless of what happens elsewhere. We’re fully focused on how we finish the year.

“I was delighted for the group to secure third place with two games left. While second place is up for grabs, we’ll be going for it certainly and we’d love to take that to the final night of the season. It would be a magnificent achievement to get it but as much as anything it’s important we see out the year as best as we can.  

“The players have put in big shifts to get us here and I’ve been delighted with that. We’ve got a lot back from injury to help us in recent weeks.

“Derry are in the mix for Europe. They’ll be chasing that in what is their final home game but from our point of view we go there looking for three points. We’ll look forward to the big crowd and the support we’ll receive and give it our all to get the win.”

Sligo Rovers have been given an allocation from Derry City for Friday’s match at the Ryan McBride Brandywell.

The allocation sold out on Thursday morning after sales all week but due to the large demand, Derry have granted Rovers an extra 50 tickets.

With the game set to sell out, and Derry not making tickets available on the night, they must be purchased online in advance of the game.

Please click here to buy tickets.

Note if tickets are not available then the game is sold out for Sligo Rovers supporters.

The match is live on LOI TV.

Colm Horgan has signed a new contract with Sligo Rovers this afternoon, the Bit O’ Red are delighted to announce.

The versatile defender has been an important part of the Rovers squad this season, appearing in 26 of the 33 league games Rovers have played.

The 27-year-old joined from Derry City and has featured across a number of positions in the side this season.

He began the year at right-back, before deputising at left-back when the Bit O’ Red squad suffered from injuries, and was also called upon in midfield from the bench.

Colm Horgan said: “This has been the most enjoyable year of football for me since my first season in Cork. It has made me really love playing football again. The last two seasons had been difficult and coming to Sligo Rovers has invigorated me.

“Liam (Buckley) has been brilliant. The competition is there in the squad and you can never rest. Lewis Banks has been in great form and I think Liam trusts us both. That’s a good way to have it. I’ve played games and whenever I didn’t Liam communicated with me his thoughts and explained it to me. That’s something I appreciate.

“I’ll do a job in wherever I’m asked and I’m happy to do it. I feel I’ve done that this season and I think the squad will be even stronger next year. Every player who has signed has to be ready for that and I think they will be.”

Horgan is looking forward to a second season in the Showgrounds and feels there is room for improvement despite a highest league finish in eight years for the club.

“We’ve qualified for Europe with two games to spare and there was a relief last weekend. It was tough work to get over the line in the end. But if you had said we’d be in that position at the start of the season you certainly would be happy with it.

“We have to learn from that tough period we had and use what got us to finish third. As much as anything we’ve got two games left now in the season and we’ve shown we’re at least the third best team in league. Next season we have to aim to follow it up where Europe is the baseline for the club. We need to look to push on.

“I knew when I got the chance to play in front of the Showgrounds crowd that it would be good. I was an opposition player many times so having them behind you is great. We can make some big nights next year and we already have Europe to look forward to so that will be the plan for next season.

“What I appreciate most is the people around the club. As well the staff like John Russell, Leo Tierney and Dave, there’s also people like Shane Crossan and Michael Mulvaney (Covid officers) who people don’t see but make it a pleasure to be here. They’re all such decent people around the club. I was delighted to sign for next year and I want to make it an even better season.”

Liam Buckley said: “I’ve been absolutely delighted with Colm this season. His attitude, application and the overall package he brings to the group has been terrific.

“He’s a fantastic player and started the year as first-choice right-back. The injuries we had meant we had to use Colm in different ways at times and he showed what he’s all about.

“In training he is outstanding. He is an example to any player on what to bring to training in terms of dedication and intensity. He’s a superb athlete and that attitude he brings every day is exemplary.

“We’ve been able to call on Colm throughout the season whether it’s to start a game, come off the bench or to see one out. I know I can use him at any time and he will do well.

“We are building a squad for next season with a view to being stronger as a group. Colm will be an important part of that. Before that these final two games are important for us to finish out the season and put in two more performances to see where it takes us.”

Robbie McCourt is the latest player to commit his future to Sligo Rovers, the club are delighted to announce this evening.

The defender has signed a two-year contract after a hugely impressive debut season at the Showgrounds.         

The Dubliner played 25 league matches, despite breaking his wrist in the summer time, and has been a very influential player for the Bit O’ Red.

Rovers secured a top three finish in the league with two matches to play and remain in contention for second place.

McCourt said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far. It’s gone great. When I signed Liam laid out his expectations and we achieved exactly what he wanted. That was for us to become a better team and qualify for Europe again.

“I was very happy to sign a two-year contract when the offer came. We have to keep getting better and I believe we will. The club really looked after me and this is a great place to play football and to live. I think that’s helped me in how the season went this year.

“We started off very well and I was playing week-in week-out and more often than not we were winning. The injury knocked me out for 14 weeks. It was a break and I had just had to bide my time.

“I feel I came back strongly and the win last weekend ensured the top three and we want to finish if off well now and see how many points we can get.”

McCourt emerged as first-choice left-back this year following pre-season but he has paid tribute to his team-mates in helping him make his first season in Sligo an impressive one.

“It helps when you have the players around you.

“I played most of last season with Waterford as a centre-back. It wasn’t certain where I was going to be playing this year. The gaffer said left-back when I came in and I’ve played there most most of my career so I was happy with it.

“We’ve got top players in the team but as well as that I’ve had Regan Donelon pushing me for my position all season. I think he had an injury at the start of the year and he’s been driving me on since that. It’s a strong group and it makes you a better player.

“The defensive record has been the second best in the league and we’ve been very solid as a group.”

As McCourt signs for 2022 and 2023, he said the move to Sligo has paid off and a result committing for two seasons required little thought.

“I really enjoy the lifestyle and the place. It’s great for being totally focused on football and I’m really happy with the decision I made to come here. The next two seasons can be big ones for the club. The league here is tight and we’ve shown we can compete and be up the top of the table.

“We want to challenge and I know the gaffer will add to the squad again and with even more quality players.”

The three and-a-half months McCourt spent on the sidelines coincided with the most difficult part of the year for the Bit O’ Red, including exiting the Europa Conference League.

McCourt left his former club Bohemians after helping them qualify for Europe in 2019, while in Waterford it was Rovers who pipped them on the final day, meaning he missed out for 2021.

He was set to play after moving to Sligo but the injury scuppered hopes of a European bow last July.

After helping the Bit O’ Red qualify for the 2022 competition, he is keen to finally experience the European stage.

“I feel like I’ve missed out three times so it’s something I really want for next season. Europe didn’t go how we wanted as a team this year and that will be something to target. We were unfortunate that we had a lot of players out at the time.

“I want to play and I want us to win one round, two rounds or more, so when that comes around I’ll be very keen to play and this time to do ourselves justice.”

Liam Buckley said: “Robbie has been a fantastic signing for the club. He’s been brilliant all year and that period he was out we badly missed him for what he brings.

“He jumped straight back in after his injury and once again he’s been excellent. For me he is one of the best left-backs in the league without doubt. I like to think he can be even better next year.

“Robbie signing for two years is terrific business from the club’s point of view. From my experience when we bring players to Sligo Rovers, they love it here and Robbie is another.

“He’s settled in extremely well and I know he has a desire within him to keep pushing on. We’ve got two games left in the season and there’ll be no let-up. We want to finish the season as strong as we possibly can.”

Sligo Rovers are lending our support to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland after they announced plans for a new sensory garden for people living with dementia at Sligo Day Care Centre.

The project will be completed by October 2022.

The ASIis also making a public callout to members of the public to support the project – either volunteers with key skill sets or people who might be interested in sponsorship and other funding opportunities.

If people are interested in lending your support or are looking more information, please contact The ASI’s Cathryn O’Leary (085 856 6478) and Clair Culkin (085 872 0043) via sligogardenproject@alzheimer.ie

The ASI provides supports and services in the Sligo area including Dementia Adviser, Home Care and Day Care at Home and also the Aughamore Day Care Centre, which provides dementia-specific, person-centred care to meet the needs of the person with dementia in a warm, welcoming and safe environment while providing support and stimulation.

They work with each person to ensure they feel comfortable and supported and their individual needs are meet as far as possible. They also offer a wide range of activities including reminiscence therapy, music sessions, gentle exercises, arts and crafts and personal care.

The ASI is Sligo Rovers’ charity partner for the 2021 season. Each year the Bit O’ Red partner with one charity or cause and provide support in terms of fundraising and awareness to assist their work.

This year, Sligo Rovers will commit to a number of initiatives to support The ASI’s Sligo supports and services. This year The ASI has been chosen by Sligo Rovers, with all funds raised during the partnership being ring-fenced for dementia-specific supports and services in Sligo. Earlier this year it was confirmed that former Sligo Rovers manager Billy Sinclair, who led the club to the 1977 league title, has been diagnosed with dementia.

A sensory garden of this nature allows people with dementia the opportunity to be outdoors and have meaningful interaction with others while enjoying the outdoors.

A sensory garden for people with dementia is an environment that is specifically designed to stimulate all five senses and can help reduce depression and stress and provide individuals with dementia a sense of well-being. The safety features incorporated in the dementia garden, no steep gradients/ steps, wheelchair accessibility, smooth pathways, wall and fencing features etc allow the person freedom of movement and decision making in that setting.

Clair Culkin, Nurse Manager, The ASI’s Aughamore Day Care Centre said: “We are really excited about working on this exciting new sensory garden project at the centre.

“This project will promote the importance of physical health and physical activity by increasing the opportunity for people living with dementia to be able to enjoy meaningful activity hence improving physical health and mobility.

“All gardening activities involve using the hands, so getting people with dementia out in the garden can particularly improve hand strength.

“The garden will offer people with dementia an opportunity to come together. Engaging with others in a meaningful environment is likely to spur conversations between people living dementia and will give them the opportunity to meet likeminded individuals, while developing new knowledge and skills.

“There is great support and goodwill towards this project in the community; we just can’t wait to get started.”

Rovers chairman Tommy Higgins added: “As a community based club, Sligo Rovers are delighted to be associated with our charity partner The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and the Aughamore Day Care in this worthy project.

“We look forward in bringing this project to fruition. The great strength of Sligo Rovers is our volunteers. They value our club but equally they value our locality and the importance that we care for everyone within our home place.

“We are sure some of our supporters would be happy to volunteer for a few hours over a period for this very worthy cause.”