Sligo Rovers have confirmed the signing of Daryl Fordyce for the 2019 season.

Fordyce joins from FC Edmonton where he spent six years, ending when the club suffered difficulties from the change in league format.

He had to take time away from football last year for family matters.

The experienced 32-year-old can operate in a midfield and attacking role, including striker, and joins on a one-year contract to offer a number of positives for manager Liam Buckley in his squad.

He made over 250 appearance for Linfield and Glentoran prior to the move to Canada.

Buckley said: “Daryl brings a wealth of experience and a real composure and quality on the ball.

“He has impressed in the week he has been with us. It’s a great move from our end because it’s an area we’ve had to strengthen in and I think in Daryl we have a really good player to do that. He can offer a number of options.

“I know there was interest from a number of clubs up north but he has really taken to things here and I’m delighted to sign him here today.”

Fordyce said: “It is great to clinch the deal today. Everyone has been so accommodating and welcoming and it’s a really professional and friendly environment.

“I had been keeping fit before coming here and I’ve loved the training so far. I played 90 minutes last Saturday in Athlone which was great for me and showed I have that fitness. I hope to do something similar against Longford.

“Family came first for me last year, that was my priority and the way it transpired meant I couldn’t join a club. It was a hard year for all of us but it’s over and I’m focusing on the future. I think that this can be a brilliant move.

“I came close to joining a League of Ireland club in St Patrick’s Athletic before – prior to Liam Buckley was there. It’s nice to be involved in it now and with the new season so close I can’t wait to get playing.”

Sligo Rovers held the club’s Annual General Meeting on Tuesday night in the Clayton Hotel.

Chairman Martin Heraghty gave his address on the year passed and his hopes for the club for 2019.

He thanked the management committee of 2018 for their hard work and support for the past 12 months.

A financial presentation was done by Treasurer David Rowe, reporting on the model used by the Bit O’ Red as now one of the few community clubs in the top flight.

He said there was a changing landscape in the League of Ireland with spending increasing due to private ownerships.

A loss was recorded for the year – reduced by well over 50% on the previous year – and he said the overall outcome was commendable for all involved given the difficulty of the season.

Gate receipts, season ticket sales, 500 club and donations all increased and Rowe said it was vital that these levels were maintained. He praised the effort and dedication of the Rovers members supporters.

He said the budget for 2019 had been approved by the FAI.

Secretary Brendan Lacken gave a report on the day to day operations of the club. Questions were taken from the floor from around 80 people in attendance.

It was stressed that fundraising would once again be pivotal for the club, including the €100 member donation.

That can be made here

The new management committee was elected. Gary Loughlin, Michael Mooney and Breifne Earley stepped down from the committee, with Martin McDonald the only nominee.

The following were elected as officers, with the only change Mark Cummins being appointed assistant secretary.

• Chairman: Martin Heraghty
• Vice-chairman: Andy Dodd
• Secretary: Brendan Lacken
• Treasurer: David Rowe
• Assistant-Secretary: Mark Cummins

Committee: Marie Casserly, Michael Clancy, Stephen Gilroy, Paddy Houze, Anthony Quinn, Michael Toolan, Marcus White, Martin McDonald

Sligo Rovers will face Longford Town on Saturday in our final pre-season match of 2019.

Rovers will take on the First Division side at 7:30pm in City Calling Stadium.

Lewis Banks will make his debut. Brendan Ogbu is still awaiting clearance. John Mahon is doubtful and Ronan Murray is out. An injury update will be issued shortly.

The schedule is

Tuesday 22nd January

Sligo Rovers 11-0 Sure Sports FC, Milebush Park

Saturday 26th January

Sligo Rovers 3-0 Galway United, Milebush Park,

Tuesday 29th January

Ballinamallard P-P Sligo Rovers, Ferney Park,

Saturday 2nd February

Athlone Town 0-4 Sligo Rovers, Athlone Town Stadium

Saturday 9th February

Longford Town v Sligo Rovers, City Calling Stadium, 7:30pm

Sligo Rovers have completed the signing of former Stoke City Under-23 captain Lewis Banks from Stafford Rangers.

Banks, 21, moves to the Bit o’ Red for the 2019 season.

He plays right-back but is capable of operating across the backline and in a more advanced role.

He played 59 matches for Stoke’s Premier League 2 side before leaving the club last summer.

Banks joined Stafford in August but was available if full-time football materialised and the Bit o’ Red today confirm his move to the club.

He said: “I jumped at the chance when I heard of Sligo’s interest. I think it’s a great opportunity for me because full-time football is something I’ve been keen to get back to.

“I had 12 years at Stoke – which I really enjoyed of course – before moving on. Stafford Rangers are a really good club – but I can’t turn down that chance to be back in the environment where your entire day and life is about football.

“You miss going in every morning and things like that and I think Sligo Rovers is a place for me to shine. I want to play firstly. It’s a big move to go to Ireland but it’s a great one for me to show what I can do.

“My agent told me of the interest and I said ‘yes’ straight away to be honest. There was a week or so to be able to get here today. Now what I’m here I really like the set-up and the research I did shows this to be a really good club.

“I can play a number of positions but right-back would be the main. That’ll be up to the manager to decide. I’m fit, I’m ready to play and with the season starting next week it’s the perfect time to join.”

Liam Buckley said: “Lewis was the Under-23 Player of the Season at the end of 2017 with Stoke.

“He was captain there as well and I’m delighted to have him here with us.

“We’ll be looking for him to make an impact and I think he has the quality to do that.

“He has plenty of ability and that versatility is brilliant for us. He can also play in midfield as well as the back four.

“I think he sees this is a great opportunity and he can hit the ground running.”

On Sunday we held our annual Super Reds days for our young fans to collect their 2019 Sligo Rovers season ticket and complimentary jersey.

We had a great crowd of young Rovers fans and their parents who endured the tough conditions on the day.

Our first-team put on coaching sessions and played a few football matches with the young fans, plus autographs and photographs.

Thanks to everyone that joined us on the day and we can’t wait to see you all on the first home game of the season on Friday 22 February at 7:45pm in The Showgrounds.

Sligo Rovers recorded a 4-0 win over Athlone Town in the penultimate pre-season match of 2019 at Athlone Town Stadum.

Ronan Murray opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 16 minutes, but then suffered an ankle injury when running with no Athlone player near.

He tried to continue but couldn’t shake it off and Jack Keaney was introduced.

The second goal arrived just before the break when the substitute Keaney sent a crisp strike from 25 yards low into the net.

Keaney made in three from the spot after Trialist B was fouled in the 57th minute.

Liam Kerrigan rounded off the scoring after a long run from the halfway line which was aided to by good work by John Mahon coming out from defence.

Sligo Rovers team: McNicholas (McGinty 45), Dunleavy (Trialist B 45), Mahon, Leverock, Donelon; Callan-McFadden, Trialist A, Kerrigan, Twardek (Lynch 82), Parkes (Morahan 45), Murray (Keaney 18).

Sligo Rovers are very pleased to announce the signing of Nigerian striker Brendan Ogbu, subject to work permit and international clearance.

Ogbu moves to Sligo after spending a very successful career in his domestic league.

He scored 12 goals in 14 matches for Bayelsa United in the Nigeria National League season last campaign.

Ogbu was previously with Enugu Rangers, FC Heartland, Warri Wolves, Ifeanyi, Rangers International and FC Heartland.

He won the Nigerian FA Cup with Heartland, taking the man of the match award in the final, and player of the year that campaign overall with 17 goals in the season.

Liam Buckley said: “Brendan can play across the front three including as a number nine. He came across my radar at St Patrick’s Athletic but at the time we had Christy Fagan and he wasn’t available then afterwards.

“We needed to broaden our search in looking for a striker because it’s a limited market and Brendan has proven himself as a goalscorer in Nigeria as someone I feel is worth bringing here.

“He’s a big lad, very dangerous around the penalty area and he’s going to bring something we’re looking for.

“It’s up to the team to be playing well to create chances and I think he’ll relish this opportunity. We’re looking forward to him joining up with us.”

Ogbu said: “I have been so keen to receive a chance like this and prove myself in Europe.

“I can’t wait to meet all the Sligo fans and I want to help the team have a very good season.

“I will be prepared correctly to play for Sligo Rovers and try to score goals like I have done in Nigeria for many years.”

Niall Morahan has been catching the eye for the Bit O’ Red early in pre-season and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

The Leitrim teenager signed a professional deal with the club last year and is clearly making progress.

Morahan said: “I’m really enjoying my first pre-season. It’s a new experience for me so I’m learning everyday.

“I wanted to hit the ground running and give it a good go. The sessions are always hard work but being back with the lads makes it enjoyable.”

The 18-year-old has featured in both of Rovers’ games so far, so when asked if playing that environment has been bringing him on, he was quite sure.

“Absolutely. It’s good to get some playing time after the off-season and I always enjoy playing for the club, especially the first team.

“It’s a good test for me and the gaffer is always challenging us all to get into his philosophy. I think it’s something I can do well in, but I know there’s a lot of work ahead. It’s early days but I’ll be doing my best to put my hand up and show what I can do.”

After making his first appearances, Niall was given his first start by Brian Dorrian last October in the win over Shamrock Rovers which certainly aided his cause with Liam Buckley watching on.

“I was delighted to finally get my first start under my belt.

“After making a few appearances as a sub it was great to start in a game like that.

“It was an important learning experience for me. It was nice to get the win too.”

Niall is keen to show what he can do wearing the Bit O’ Red.

“I’m looking to play as much first-team football as possible this year. I want to learn as much as I can under Liam and John to help me keep improving.

“I think the club have a great management team in place and the experience of Liam and coaching expertise from John is brilliant to be under.

“I’d also like for a successful season with the team. I don’t want the odd good night. That’s the attitude Liam is pointing us towards. We want to win a lot of games this year and see where it takes us.”

It’s a big day on Sunday – a day specifically for our Super Reds as they collect their season tickets and jerseys for the new season.

Join us at 2pm to 4pm in The Showgrounds where all those who purchased Super Reds tickets before Christmas can collect the tickets and the complimentary jersey if purchasing that package.

After that there’ll be training with our players on The Showgrounds with coaching drills. We’ll also have face painting to get that Bit O’ Red.

Parents can also enjoy tea and coffee in the meantime. We’ll see you on Sunday!