In episode three of Meet the Players, Mark Halton chats to Jordan Gibson who joined the club from St Patrick’s Athletic in the off-season.
He tells us of his career so far, scoring the spectacular goal last week in Waterford and loving life in Sligo.
Sligo Rovers face Longford Town on Friday evening at Bishopsgate in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.
Rovers have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the league season with a draw and a win.
Rovers will face Longford for the first time in five seasons in the league. There has been two FAI Cup meetings in the meantime with Town winning in 2017 and 2018.
In team news, Lewis Banks will have a late fitness test on a thigh strain. Rovers have no other concerns.
Liam Buckley said: “We were happy with the result in Waterford. There is room for improvement on the performance. We are in some transition, with the new players we have brought in this season, and the most important thing is to pick up points. We’ve done that so far and hopefully we can continue on Friday evening.
“The other positive was how we stuck at it last week. We went 1-0 down which we were disappointed about. Ed made a couple of great saves and the goals we scored to win the game were top class.
“Romeo’s finish was outstanding and Jordan’s shot, it was right in the angle of the goal and you couldn’t position it any better.
“We’ve got a good group of players here and they’re all going to want to play. The most important thing is to keep everyone fit and we go from there.
“We’ve been busy in training the last week and we’re looking forward to another game.
“Longford have done very well so far. They’ve kept their core group and added even more quality as well. I’ve no doubt that it helps them to have that consistency there from last season.
“They have good energy and drive in the team. It was a brilliant year for them last season.
“They showed character to get promoted through the difficult play-offs in the First Division and we saw it again last week in Dalymount when coming from 2-0 down.
“They’re going to put it up to us, we know that. We go there looking to build on the win last week.”
Romeo Parkes and Jordan Gibson smashed home two wonder-goals as Sligo Rovers came from behind to beat Waterford at the RSC.
Cian Kavanagh had nodded Waterford into an early lead when he turned home a Jamie Mascoll corner with six minutes gone.
But a powerful volley from Parkes had Rovers level before the break, while man of the match Gibson continued his impressive start to life at the Showgrounds with a spectacular winner on early in the second period.
Having tasted defeat on the opening night in Drogheda, the hosts were looking for their first points of the season and took hold of this game early on.
Johnny Kenny registered an effort for Rovers in the opening moments, but the tie’s opener was to arrive at the opposite end on six minutes.
Kavanagh made the most of questionable marking in the Sligo box as he powered Mascoll’s corner past Ed McGinty with an authoritative header.
The visitors, who impressed last week against Dundalk, took their time to adjust to their surroundings.
They were almost level from nothing on ten minutes when teen Kenny struck the post having connected with Greg Bolger’s cross, after stellar work from Gibson and Colm Horgan down the right side.
McGinty made up for sloppy play from full back Robbie McCourt on 19 minutes when he pulled off a magnificent double save. The young Scot first denied Shane Griffin, before keeping out Kavanagh’s close range shot.
Sligo roared their way back into the game with a wonderful equaliser from Parkes.
The Jamaican meeting Gibson’s cross with a well timed full volley which soared past a stunned Brian Murphy in the Blues nets for Parkes’ second goal in as many games.
Indeed Rovers could and should have been ahead little more than 90 seconds later.
Parkes taking a punt forward from Garry Buckley into his stride, but he lacked the sharpness he exhibited just moments previous as he fired straight at Murphy from five yards.
Liam Buckley’s men finished last season with one of the poorer away records. They did their chances of coming away from the south east with something at least, when Gibson struck for the lead eight minutes into the second half.
The ex-Rangers youth cutting inside with a well crafted step-over before placing the ball into Murphy’s top corner from the angle.
Rovers threatened again on 68 when a neat exchange between Parkes and Kenny saw the former feed the in-form Gibson. The winger’s effort from the right fizzing across the face of the Blues goal this time.
The alert McGinty had to rescue his team again four minutes later when he pounced to claim Buckley’s undercooked back-pass with substitute Daryl Murphy in close proximity. While Murphy was just short of fellow sub Eric Molloy’s cross to the back post moments later as Waterford began to assert themselves once more.
But despite the addition of extra fire power late on, Waterford were unable to turn Sligo a second time.
Waterford: Brian Murphy; Darragh Power, Kyle Ferguson, Cameron Evans, Jamie Mascoll; Adam O’Reilly, Oscar Brennan, Shane Griffin (Eric Molloy 67), Prince Mutswunguma (Daryl Murphy 63); James Waite, Cian Kavanagh (John Martin 80).
Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Colm Horgan, John Mahon, Garry Buckley, Robbie McCourt; Niall Morahan, Greg Bolger: Jordan Gibson, Walter Figueira (David Cawley 67), Romeo Parkes; Johnny Kenny (Ryan De Vries 72).
Referee: Paul McLaughlin.
Sligo Rovers face Waterford FC in the second game of the SSE Airtricity League on Friday night at the Regional Sport Centre, live on RTÉ Two and WATCHLOI.
The Bit O’Red earned a point in their opening game of the season last week, drawing 1-1 with Dundalk.
In a game which featured six debuants, Rovers competed very well in a game which ebbed and flowed throughout.
As well as good performances from the starting team, the Rovers bench also faired well as David Cawley and Mark Byrne impressed and contributed greatly.
Last season had two closes games between the sides. Rovers won 2-1 in The Showgrounds through a last-minute goal, while in the RSC the home side edged a 1-0 game.
Liam Buckley has no injury or suspension concerns for the game.
The Rovers manager said: “It was nice to get a reasonable performance to begin with last week. We had good parts of our game and also areas to work on.
“It was an intense game as you would expect from the first one of the season. Dundalk will be looking to compete at the top of the table so overall we did well.
“This week provided time for some players to get shaper. We had a few lads who had a shortened pre-season due to quarantining or little niggles they picked up meaning they missed out on parts. They are getting stronger now. We’ve got everybody fit for Friday so we’ll pick the team we feel is right.”
While there was a positive outlook following the opening weekend, Buckley has stressed that it has to be built upon.
“Everyone is looking to win matches. Waterford conceded an own goal in the closing stages against Drogheda, which was quite unfortunate, so we know that even after one game they are a difficult prospect.
“Every match we play is going to a hard one. We’ve spent some time working on our fitness and tactics and trying to improve on last week. We go to Waterford looking for the result.”
The Bit O’Red gets a Bit O’Black & White with the launch of the 2021 away jersey. Purchase here.
Sligo Rovers is delighted to announce a two-year extension to the primary sponsor agreement with Avant Money, as the Leitrim-based consumer finance provider extends its sponsorship in the Bit O’ Red from 2022.
It is a timely and welcome boost for Sligo Rovers to secure a valuable extension with Ireland’s newest mortgage provider.
Avant Money has been a key partner for the Bit O’Red since early 2020 and has proven a loyal and dedicated backer of the club.
In announcing the extension of the sponsorship deal, Avant Money wanted to acknowledge the role the football club has played for the people of the north-west during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as their commitment to investing in the region.
The new agreement will see the Avant Money logo continue to feature on all senior Sligo Rovers jerseys for the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons, which includes a brand-new away jersey launched today and now on sale on srfcdirect.com.
The announcement was made by Sligo Rovers chairman, Tommy Higgins, CEO Colin Feehily and Avant Money CEO, Chris Paul at a virtual media event today.
Sligo Rovers will play their second league game of the season this Friday night, with the Bit O’Red set to don the new away kit for the first time, live on RTÉ2, in front of a national audience.
Tommy Higgins, Sligo Rovers Chairman, said: “We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Avant Money in the last 14 months and the fact our agreement has been extended ahead of schedule already shows just what a good fit it has been for all parties.
“Avant Money has been supportive to us in many different areas. The last year has been a challenging one, but one where the strength of the football club has come to the fore and we could not have wished for a more loyal and supportive primary sponsor.
“I would like to express particular thanks to Avant Money CEO Chris Paul. The management committee and I feel we have the potential to grow the football club to new heights and Chris shares that vision. That’s incredibly important to us and, in these next few years, I hope we can build a great future together.”
Chris Paul, Avant Money CEO, said “Avant Money is absolutely delighted to be partnering with Sligo Rovers for a further two years. It has been a challenging year for us all, including sports organisations who provide valuable outlets for people of all ages to come together in the shared support of their favourite teams.
“Now, more than ever, we feel it is important to show our support for the people and projects in the region, and we are proud to be in a position where we can continue to do so.”
“I’d also like to congratulate Sligo Rovers for their excellent performance last year, coming fourth in their division and qualifying to play in Europe later this year. I wish them every success for what will surely be an exciting season ahead.”
Sligo Rovers held its AGM tonight in a virtual event for the first time in the club’s history, with the club reporting an “extraordinary and unprecedented” financial year in terms of ups and downs, and warning of a challenging time ahead in the Covid-19 landscape
(Click here for the annual voluntary donation https://srfcdirect.com/fundrai…/annual-voluntary-donation/)
The club reported a surplus which treasurer David Rowe attributed to the supporter and community response to the difficulties of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the Emergency Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) and grants.
Despite the positive results, the head of Rovers finances said the hardest moments from the impact of Covid-19 have yet to be felt. There was some startling financial changes for Rovers because of the league shutdown in March last year and lockdowns.
Gate receipts for the year fell from €235,000 to €20,000 while the club lotto dropped by almost €50,000.
Rowe said the EWSS made it possible for the club to continue trading.
It was fundraising which proved key to the Bit O’ Red’s cash flow maintaining. The remarkable GoFundMe by the Bit O’ Red Supporters Trust generated €85,000 in less than two weeks and provided a cash buffer for Rovers on the resumption of the league.
The 500 Club was the only regular income which stayed on track and was critical for Rovers. It provided €90,000 to the club in the financial year.
In total €400,000 was fundraised by the club community.
Monies owed to the Revenue, bank, committee member loans and trade creditors have reduced considerably.
Rowe said it gives the club the chance to start the year from scratch, but with an uncertain future in the league and the EWSS only set to continue to the summer for now, he stressed the club cannot not afford to be comfortable. He said the €400,000 fundraised has to be matched again for the upcoming season.
A €30,000 to €40,000 spend will be required from a Showgrounds repair project in the coming weeks.
Outside of finances, reporters were presented by chairman Tommy Higgins who heralded a challenging but poignant year for the club. He said he was proud of the role the club played for the community and qualifying for Europe when coming from the bottom of the table was one of Rovers’ best ever achievements. He said the masterplan being devised to lay out the future of the club will be published in a matter of weeks.
Secretary Brendan Lacken and CEO Colin Feehily also addressed the meeting.
There were no nominations to join the management committee. All 16 members of 2020 will make up 2021.
Officer positions were elected afterwards. There are no changes from last year.
Chairman: Tommy Higgins
Vice-chairman: Andy Dodd
Secretary: Brendan Lacken
Treasuer: David Rowe
Assistant secretary: Mark Cummins
As discussed at tonight’s Annual General Meeting, members or non members can make the yearly voluntary to the club here.
https://srfcdirect.com/fundraising/annual-voluntary-donation/
Sligo Rovers and Dundalk started their respective campaigns with a point a piece after both sides played out a draw at the Showgrounds.
Patrick McEleney made the most of a mistake in the Bit O’Red rearguard early on, but Sligo recovered well and secured a deserved point courtesy of Romeo Parkes leveller mid-way through the opening half.
It was the visitors who began this encounter on the front foot, offering the superior purpose going forward in comparison to a sluggish Sligo start.
Rovers boss Liam Buckley handed six debuts to his winter signings and it was one of those recent additions Greg Bolger who was involved in Dundalk’s opener on the quarter hour.
A mx up between the ex-Shamrock Rovers general and goalkeeper Ed McGinty was pounced on by McEleney. The attacker making the most of the young goalkeeper’s indecisiveness as he cut out McGinty’s pass towards Bolger before firing home.
Rovers shook off their opening night jitters and it was 17-year-old Johnny Kenny who carved out their first opportunity of the evening.
Son of the Rovers legend of the same name, the young striker made the most of a Sonni Nattesad slip on 21 minutes. But was unfortunate to drag his resulting effort past the far post.
The hosts, who haven’t won a league opener since 2014 had their equaliser just 60 seconds later.
Parkes marking his return from a loan spell in the US as he nodded Robbie McCourt’s whipped free from the left past Dundalk net minder Alessio Abibi.
The width of the post then made the different on 33 minutes when a marauding run from Parkes saw him skip his way past several Dundalk challenges.
The Jamaican slotting the ball into the path of Jordan Gibson who could only look on in agony as his deft chip bounced off Abibi’s post.
Disaster almost struck Sligo again before the break when McGinty misjudged the flight of the ball outside his area.
However Hoban was unable to turn Junior’s squared ball from the end line with McGinty scrambling to get back into position.
Both camps went close early in the second period with Cameron Dummigan and another Sligo new boy Walter Figueira producing efforts from distance.
It was then the turn of Shane Keegan’s charges to strike woodwork. Hoban’s looping header had McGinty well beat but not the frame of the goal as his effort ricocheted off the post and back into the arms of the grateful keeper.
McGinty was at full stretch on 73 minutes as he watched substitute Michael Duffy’s 20 yard drive drift past his post as Dundalk again strengthened their grip on proceedings.
However, the tide turned in Sligo’s favour once more and the Connaught men went close again through the impressive Gibson.
The ex-Pat’s winger was involved again seven minutes from time but the stretch was an effort too far for Kenny who couldn’t connect with Gibson’s cross to the back post.
Now on the back foot, Dundalk had to rely on Abibi to close down and block Kenny’s shot on 85 minutes while Mark Byrne had a goal disallowed at the death.
Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Colm Horgan, John Mahon, Garry Buckley, Robbie McCourt; Niall Morahan, Greg Bolger; Jordan Gibson, Romeo Parkes (Mark Byrne 72); Walter Figueira (David Cawley 72); Johnny Kenny.
Dundalk: Alessio Abibi; Andy Boyle, Sonni Nattesad, Dan Cleary; Raivis Jurkovskis, Cameron Dummigan; Chris Shields, Greg Sloggett; Patrick McEleney (Sam Stanton 69); Junior (Michael Duffy 69), Pat Hoban.
Referee: Neil Doyle
Sligo Rovers begin the 2021 SSE Airtricity League season on Saturday evening as FAI Cup holders Dundalk visit The Showgrounds.
The match is available to purchase here on #WATCHLOI. Kick-off is 6pm.
Liam Buckley begins his third season at The Showgrounds, having secured European football on the final day of the last league campaign against the Lilywhites.
The Bit O’ Red’s good form in the 14 matches for the second part of last season included two wins over Dundalk.
However, the visiting side have also enjoyed a good record in The Showgrounds in some key games, including an FAI Cup semi-final in 2019.
Rovers have six new signings in the squad, as well as the return of Richard Brush and Romeo Parkes for fourth and second spells at the club.
The Bit O’ Red have no absentees for the game. Ryan De Vries joined training from Wednesday following the end of his quarantine period.
Danny Kane signed for the club on Thursday after successfully coming through pre-season.
A number of academy players have impressed during pre-season and could be part of the squad.
Liam Buckley said: “I’m happy with the squad and the business we have done. It was our aim to improve on last season and overall it has gone quite well. We wanted a better balance to the squad this year.
“It’s not a particularly big group, but we have a lot of good technically players. We’re not going to have several senior players sitting in the stand each week, so all of the players will make a contribution. That was the way it was last season.
“We have a number of new players and a lot of the younger players are progressing as well, so there are some changes. It is important we gel together as soon as we can. We’ve done a lot of work in the last number of weeks to be as ready as we can for Saturday night and for the entire season to come.
“I’m looking at the teams in league and I know it’s going to be as competitive as ever. There are lots of clubs targeting European places or more. We’re not under any illusions here of the task at hand to match or improve on last year, but that is what we want. We want to be the best we can be and see where it can take us. It’s a tough start on Saturday but we’re excited to start our season and see what we can do.”
Buckley has said he expects a very tough test on Saturday against Dundalk.
“People say Dundalk are transitioning but nearly every club in the league has made a lot of new signings. They’ve brought in a lot of proven quality as well as full internationals. It’s going to be a real battle and we have to be up for that because of the quality Dundalk have.
“It is behind closed doors but I do expect a real intensity to the game. We know we have the support of everyone watching on from home and we’re going to give it our all on Saturday and this season.”
Due to the pandemic, academy trials for underage teams will not take place ahead of the start of the new season.
Squads are now being registered today and we thank everyone for their interest.
We hope to reopen opportunities for other players when Covid-19 restrictions ease.
