This Friday sees the Bit O’Red on the road for the first time this season as Sligo Rovers travel to Sullivan and Lambe Park to take on Drogheda United, kick-off 7.45pm.

Following a narrow defeat to Waterford on the opening night last weekend, Rovers will look to kick-start our Premier Division season at a venue which John Russell’s side haven’t won since 2022. 

Drogheda for their part, began 2025 with defeat to Shels in the President’s Cup. They recovered from that loss to pick up a valuable point against title-chasing St Pat’s in Inchicore on the first night of the league calendar. 

In team news, Rovers will be again without Wilson Waweru and Stephen Mallon. Otherwise, Russell has a full squad to choose from. 

Russell was unhappy with Rovers’ first half showing against Waterford at the Showgrounds on Saturday. But was hugely enthused by a second half performance in which the home side were extremely unlucky not to take at least a point. The Rovers boss believes his side showed more than enough to suggest things are heading in the right direction.

“We asked for a reaction at half-time and we certainly got it. We started with great speed in the second half and deservedly got the goal back through Owen Elding. I think if we score that penalty then we go on and win that game. 

“But it shows how tight this league is and how games are decided in those pivotal moments. Waterford go up the other end then and scored what ended up being the winner. But the momentum stayed with us and we kept creating, so we are really encouraged by that despite not taking anything from the game.

“The energy was there in abundance and we kept knocking on the door, so we’ve plenty to look forward to.”

Looking ahead to the Drogs game, Russell envisages another tight affair. 

“They’re at home for the first time since they won the cup and they’ve already sold out their gate and that’s great to see”, he says.

“They’ll be full of life and backed by a big and loud crowd coming off the back of an impressive draw with Pat’s. It’s a tough ground to go to. Our record could be better up there recently and we’re looking to change that. It’s a tight ground, compact and everyone’s on top of each other so it’s important not to get overwhelmed and enjoy what you’re doing. 

“But we back ourselves against anybody and we know we have to be at it from the first touch. We know what we can do and what we need to do to come away with a good result. We’ll certainly be going there looking for the win.” 

Now in his fourth year at the Showgrounds, Rovers’ recently appointed vice-captain Will Fitzgerald is full of optimism going into the trip to Louth. Always a determined performer, Fitzgerald was one of Rovers’ outstanding players against Waterford last week.

“We were disappointed to not come away with at least a point”, he reflects.  

“The nature of the goals we conceded was hugely frustrating for us. But there was enough from us to show that we’re on the right track here. There’s quality in this group and it shows when you look at the amount of chances we created. 

“We know what we are capable of and we’ll be giving it absolutely everything to try and pick up three points up there.

“We know what Drogheda will bring. They’ll be hungry, energetic, well drilled and organised. They are one of those teams that play to these strengths and get some deserving results because of it. 

“It’s up to us now to match all that. We need to play to our own maximum capabilities and it’s hugely important that we put in a 90 minute performance.”

The Limerick native appeared for the 100th time for Sligo towards the end of last season having signed three years ago. One of the first names on the team-sheet, the 25-year-old is thriving as one of the more experienced members of the first-team squad and was selected as vice-skipper in pre-season.  

“It’s an honour and privilege to have that role”, he continues. 

“I took on a bigger role in terms of responsibility last season and it’s something I am really enjoying doing. I’ve played in this league for a few years and this is my fourth year under John and his guidance. If I can use my experience gained through those few years and set an example to help get the team to where we want to get to, that’s something I’ll be very proud of.” 

David Goulden 

Sligo Rovers were narrowly beaten on the opening night of the new Premier Division season as Waterford came away from the Showgrounds with all three points. 

A frustrating start from the Bit O’Red allowed the Blues take a two goal lead at half-time courtesy of Rowan McDonald and Tommy Lonergan. 

Owen Elding’s first goal for the club gave Rovers some hope but a Cian Kavanagh penalty miss and Conan Noonan’s eventual winner moments later decided this game. Jad Hakiki did net a late goal for Rovers who were by far the better side in the second period.  

There were positives for Rovers including a handful of debuts and a real battling second half showing. There was a also a first game as club captain for AbbVie academy graduate John Mahon.

Restricted mostly to efforts from range, Rovers manufactured the opening chance through Elding whose shot was easily held by Waterford net minder Stephen McMullan. 

The visitors hit the lead on 13 minutes when McDonald sent a well struck curler around the reach of Sam Sargeant on his Rovers debut. 

The Munster side then doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute.

A move straight from the set-piece playbook, Noonan’s free-kick from the left was headed back across the face of goal by McDonald. Lonergan leaping highest to finish past Sargeant for a goal on his debut.

Desperately requiring some sort of reprieve, Elding gave an improved Rovers that much needed shot in the arm when he halved the deficit five minutes into the second period. Will Fitzgerald forced his way inside the area before squaring for the teenager who fired home for his first senior goal. 

A crazy few minutes saw Rovers then miss a penalty before Waterford had their third despite Rovers being well on top.

McMullen pulled off a magnificent save to deny Cian Kavanagh from 12 yards after Fitzgerald was fouled inside the area. While on the counter, Padraig Amond supplied Noonan who calmly slotted the ball beyond Sargeant with 59 minutes gone. 

Rovers threw it all at their opponents and ended the game with five times as many shots on goal as their rivals only for John Russell’s men to find McMullan in fine form. 

Debutant Hakiki had offered Sligo some hope on 82 minutes when his thunderous drive from the angle clipped the crossbar on its way past a stunned McMullan. 

The Sligo siege was rebuked on several occasions, resulting in Ryan Burke taking an Elding bullet off his own line after Fitzgerald had hit the crossbar on the approach.  

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Oskar Van Hattum, Ollie Denham, John Mahon, Reece Hutchinson; Conor Malley (Jake Doyle-Hayes 87), Matty Wolfe (Francely Lomboto 65); Owen Elding, Jad Hakiki, Will Fitzgerald; Cian Kavanagh. 

Waterford: Stephen McMullan; Andy Boyle, Grant Horton, Kacper Radkowski; Navajo Bakboord (Darragh Leahy 72), Ryan Burke; Rowan McDonald (Dean McMenamy 53), Ben McCormack, Conan Noonan (Maarten Pouwels 83); Tommy Lonergan (Kyle White 83), Padraig Amond. 

Referee: Damien MacGraith. 

Attendance: 3,612. 

David Goulden

Competitive football returns to the Showgrounds this Saturday night as Sligo Rovers host Waterford, kick-off 7.45pm. 

Premier Division action resumes on Church Hill Road for the 20th consecutive season as John Russell’s Bit O’Red take on Keith Long’s Blues.

A number of new Rovers signings are in line for debuts including goalkeeper Sam Sargeant, defender Harvey Lintott and midfielders Ronan Manning, Matty Wolfe, Jad Hakiki and Oskar Van Hattum. While Jake Doyle-Hayes’ international transfer clearance has arrived in time for the club’s latest addition to feature on Saturday night. 

Strikers Cian Kavanagh and Francely Lomboto are also hoping for a first competitive appearance for Rovers. 

In team news, Rovers will be without forward Wilson Waweru who isn’t expected to return until summer time as he continues his rehab following a serious achilles injury picked up last season. Winger Stephen Mallon also misses out. 

This will be manager John Russell’s third opening night in charge of Rovers. 2023 saw his side pick up a valuable point at home to then reigning and eventual league winners Shamrock Rovers. While last season, a 94th minute equaliser denied Sligo all the points away to Bohs. 

Excited to get the season underway, Russell is also hoping for a positive start to the new campaign. Last year saw Rovers perform well beyond the expectations of many, competing for a European spot right up until the final weeks. 

“Like last season, it’s going to be tough. 2024 was extremely competitive but this year I can see it being more-so. So it’s important we get off to a good start”, he says. 

“We’re maybe going into the unknown a little with Waterford given that they’ve made so many signings. 

“They possibly feel the same way about us. But we have them as well researched as we can and we are well prepared. After being on the road for our first game last year, it’s a big boost for us to be able to play in front of our own fans and on familiar turf on Saturday. 

“There’s a real buzz around the area for the opening game and I really hope we get a big crowd in to match that expectation and appetite. 

“We’re happy with the changes we have made both on and off the pitch in pre-season. There is a nice mix of youth and experience here. There’s plenty of competition for places which is vital as it was something we identified last season that needed to change. Players maybe knew they’d play every week regardless, but now we can mix it up.” 

Saturday will also mark John Mahon’s first game as club captain. Having grown up just a few short miles from the Showgrounds, this will be the Collooney native’s tenth season at the club having joined in 2015 from local side Ballisodare United. 

Mahon was a stand-out throughout his time in the AbbVie academy before making his first team debut in an EA Sports Cup win at Finn Harps in 2017. 

Establishing himself as one of the top centre halves in the country, Mahon’s form earned him a move to Scotland in early 2022 with the now 25-year-old returning to Rovers ahead of the 2023 season. 

2024 was a frustrating year for the former Coola Post Primary student as he missed the majority of the year with an achilles injury he picked up in pre-season. Long months of rehab resulted in John’s return on the final away day of the season in Galway. 

“It will be a hugely proud day not just for me as a supporter of the club but also for my family as we’re all Rovers fans”, Mahon says. 

“Since I was a boy, I’ve been coming here (Showgrounds) and now being captain of the club means everything to me. It’ll be a special day for me, but we’ll be hoping to make it even more special with a good result.

“The atmosphere within the squad has been great all pre-season and we’re looking forward to getting going. There’s a real feeling of excitement around the Showgrounds heading into the game.

“Waterford are obviously a really good side but we’ve studied them well and we’ll be going into Saturday looking to beat them.”

David Goulden 

OPENING HOME GAME THIS SATURDAY NIGHT

We return to the Showgrounds this Saturday night in the much anticipated curtain raiser to the 2025 season. 

Online tickets are currently available for the game and we would encourage supporters to secure their ticket early to avoid disappointment. Ticket sales have been strong and as last year’s opening home game had a full house, we are expecting another large crowd.

This Saturday, 15th February 7:45pm v Waterford FC

HOME LEAGUE GAME ENTRY PRICE

Ticket prices for our men’s 18 home league games will be as follows:

• Adult – €20
• Concession – €15
• U12 – €10

*Please note to meet online ticket charges, there is a €1 booking fee per ticket when purchasing online.

SEASON TICKETS

Supporters are encouraged to purchase a Season Ticket which remains, both the best value, and best way to support our supporter-owned club for the year ahead.

Season Tickets ordered on or before Friday 7th February can be collected this week in the Showgrounds during normal working hours until Friday. There will also be a short collection period this Saturday from 2pm – 4pm in the Showgrounds.

For orders made after Friday 7th February, supporters can use the e-version of the Season Ticket for this Saturday night’s game, with the physical card to follow in due course. An e-version of the Season Ticket will have gone out by email on all email orders. All Season Tickets (physical or digital) will be scanned on entry to avoid duplicate entries on match night.

The full adult price for 2025 Season Tickets is €290 with concessions available detailed in the link below.

Super Reds continues to be the best value for under 12s with a season pass, which also includes a complimentary training top for only €90.

SECURE YOUR SEAT

Seating is open in the Showgrounds except for those seats reserved through Adult Gold (Secure Your Seat) initiative. 

Season Ticket holders can reserve a specific seat for all home league games for an additional cost of €60 with all funds going towards the cost of running the club.

Should you have already purchased your Season Ticket and wish to secure your seat you can arrange in the Showgrounds by this Friday 14th at 12am for it to be ready for the opening game on Saturday night.

HERITAGE NEWSLETTER

The Sligo Rovers Heritage Group matchnight newsletter proved to be a huge success in 2024 and the Heritage group will continue the popular production in 2025. The newsletter will initially expand to eight pages at a cost of €3.

Funds raised from the newsletter go toward heritage projects and running costs of the club and supporters are encouraged to purchase on match night.

WOMEN’S TEAM

The Women’s team’s season begins on Saturday 8th March at home to Bohemians in the Showgrounds at 3:00pm. There will be 11 home league games with a new regular start time of 3:00pm on a Saturday, unless otherwise advised. 

Supporters are encouraged to show their support by purchasing a Season Ticket and attending home games for 2025. The cost of a Season Ticket is €50 and helps fund the growth of our Women’s team which is in its fourth year. Season Tickets can be purchased below:

VOLUNTEERING WITH OUR CLUB

Our supporter-owned club is built on the dedication and hard work of our committed volunteers. If anyone is interested in becoming involved as match-night volunteer for 2025, they are encouraged to use our contact form on our website by selecting volunteer in the drop down menu.

Our match-nights are made possible by volunteers and we appreciate any new volunteers willing to assist for any number of our 18 men’s home league games or 11 women’s home league games.

As always volunteers are free to choose which games they are available to help. Match-night roles include security, half-time raffle, BORST clubhouse, club shop.

If anyone would like to volunteer in any capacity with the club, we would encourage you to please let us know through our website contact form or a member of the committee or club staff.

SHOWGROUNDS REDEVELOPMENT

The award of funding from the government made 2024 a historic year for the club. Work continues with the Project Team working through the detailed design stage for the redevelopment with Rhatighan Architects. The Project Team expects to give a full update to supporters on the project at the club AGM, which will take place in the coming months.

THANK YOU

Thank you again to all our supporters, volunteers, commercial partners and sponsors who keep our supporter owned club strong. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Showgrounds for the 2025 season.

Sligo Rovers have been handed a timely boost on the eve of the 2025 season with the news that Owen Elding has signed a new deal with the club. The attacker, who turns 19 in March, has agreed to extend his current deal to the end of the 2027 season.

A product of the Bit O’Red’s AbbVie academy, Elding followed in the footsteps of his father and FAI Cup winner Anthony when he signed his first professional deal with the club before the start of last season. Having played 29 times in two seasons for the first team, Owen’s journey at Rovers goes back to his childhood when he joined the club’s under 13 side when he was twelve. He has gone on to progress and impress in each of the following years and regularly finished as top scorer at the end of the year. 

Elding’s contract extension further rubber-stamps Rovers’ commitment to bringing our own young talent all the way through the academy to first team level.  

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Elding, who can also operate out wide or as a striker, spoke of his own personal pride having risen through the ranks to become a familiar face to the Showgrounds faithful.   “Signing my first pro deal last year was a proud moment but to add two years on to it is just very special”, he beams. 

“It’s nice to feel that the manager and club has the trust in me to offer me two more years. 

“Last year was a huge progression in my career. In 2023, I got a few minutes from the bench just to get used to first team football but last season, John Russell gave me a lot more minutes. I think both John and Ryan Casey have improved me as a player so much by working with them. I think when a young lad like myself signs on a two year deal, it shows what the club is trying to do in terms of bringing players through and trusting the youth in being good enough to progress. It’s becoming more and more the way here and it’s great to see. 

“Starting at Rovers when I was twelve and working my way through to the first team is something that makes me very proud. It’s a special feeling to be training day in, day out with the likes of Kyle McDonagh and Daire Patton who have come through the system with me and signed professional deals also. It shows Sligo Rovers is trying to produce its own and huge credit has to go to the coaches and Conor O’Grady as head of the academy.”

Elding has been in flying form throughout the 2025 pre-season campaign, scoring five times in six games. He is yet to mark a first senior goal off his card, but Owen knows that duck isn’t far off being broken.  

“I feel like a new player”, he continues. “I’m playing with a lot of confidence. I know I’m still chasing that competitive goal but I feel I’m in a great shape to do so now. I’ve managed five goals in pre-season so I’m hoping I’ll start strong in 2025 and be in the manager’s plans to start games.

 “I want to open my account as quickly as I can because once I do that, I feel my game can go to the next level.” 

As for 2025. Elding wants his team to look as high as possible ahead of this weekend’s Premier Division kick-off. 

“As a team we know we’re good enough to be challenging up towards the top of the table. The fans are desperate to see us back in Europe and we’re desperate to give them that. We’ve all come back in top shape and we’re buzzing now for Waterford on Saturday.” 

Speaking following the agreement between player and club, Rovers boss Russell says 2025 can be a big year for Riverstown native Elding.

Russell said: “Owen has progressed really well over the last 12 months and we’re delighted to reward him with a new deal. Along with the likes of Conor Walsh, Daire Patton, Kyle McDonagh, Conor Reynolds and Gareth McElroy, he is another product of our academy. Owen being signed up to a long term deal having progressed through our youth ranks shows that this club is serious about sustainability and bringing through our own. Huge credit must go to his coaches at all levels. 

“We feel Owen has more than enough potential to make a big impact in the coming season. He has all the attributes you want to see in a forward. He has pace, power, intelligent movement and a real eye for goal.” 

“We’re very excited to see how he develops over the coming years.” 

David Goulden 

Sligo Rovers signed off on pre-season 2025 with a commanding four goal win over neighbours Finn Harps at the Showgrounds. 

Conor Malley scored early on as Rovers led at the break, while further strikes from substitutes Gareth McElroy and Francely Lomboto and goal from Cian Kavanagh just past the hour rounded off a busy winter schedule for the Bit O’Red ahead of Saturday’s league kick-off.

Malley had Rovers ahead after just eight minutes, while McElroy doubled our lead two minutes into the second half. The Donegal man finishing off a Ronan Manning set-piece.

Lomboto clinched number three with a well worked goal and smart finish. While the Galway man turned provider for Kavanagh’s goal when Lomoboto squared for the former Pat’s man to finish to an empty net. 

The game rounds off Rovers’ pre-season schedule ahead of the much anticipated opening game of the 2025 Premier Division season against Waterford at the Showgrounds on Saturday, February 15th. Kick-off is 7.45pm. Tickets are available at this link: https://www.sligorovers.com/season-tickets/

Rovers: Sargeant, Van Hattum, Mahon, Denham, Hutchinson, Wolfe, Malley, Fitzgerald, Elding, Hakiki, Kavanagh.

Subs used: Walsh, McElroy, Priosti, McDonagh, Cannon, Reynolds, Patton, Lomboto, Lintott, Manning. 

There were five individual goal scorers at MacSharry Park as Sligo Rovers beat a Sligo/Leitrim XI by six goals to one in the Bit O’Red’s penultimate pre-season outing ahead of next weekend’s Premier Division kick-off.

Owen Elding, Francely Lomboto, Guilherme Priosti, Callum Lynch and Rasheed Yeboah each found the net for Rovers, while an own goal added to the League of Ireland men’s side of the scoreline.

A determined Sligo/Leitrim pulled a goal back in the second period courtesy of an impressive strike from Kenny Ogun. 

Rovers’ final pre-season game takes place against Finn Harps at the Showgrounds, this Saturday. Kick-off is 7.45pm.

Rovers: Walsh, Lintott, Denham, Mahon, Hutchinson, Fitzgerald, Malley, Wolfe, Hakiki, Elding, Lomboto.

Subs used: Sargeant, Priosti, McDonagh, Patton, Malone, McElroy, Mallon, Lynch, Yeboah, Jonathan, Van Hattum, O’Malley, Nolan. 

With the 2025 Premier Division kick-off just two weeks away, Sligo Rovers continued their preparations with pre-season friendly games at both Markets Field and Bishopstown.

The first of these two games saw the Bit O’Red take on First Division side Treaty United in Limerick on Friday night.

An experimental Rovers starting eleven went ahead in this one on 22 minutes when winter signing Francely Lomboto finished off a quick attack from the visitors.

Treaty levelled the game eight minutes into the second half when Rovers’ Premier Division winner Lee Lynch set up an unnamed trialist for the leveller.

Lynch then went on to score the winner in the 71st minute.

With game time ahead of the Waterford game on February 15th the most important aspect of this visit to Munster, Rovers had a speedy turn-around with kick-off at Bishopstown arriving just 16 hours after the full-time whistle in Limerick.

Jad Hakiki, Cian Kavanagh and Owen Elding netted Rovers’ goals in a competitive game which finished 6-3 in Cork’s favour.

Rovers’ next game is our penultimate pre-season fixture. A Sligo/Leitrim XI are our opponents at MacSharry Park on Tuesday night, February 4th, kick-off 7pm.

Rovers XI V Treaty: Walsh, Van Hattum, Mahon, Cannon, Reynolds, Hutchinson, Fitzgerald, Wolfe, Patton, Manning, Lomboto. 

Subs: Sargeant, Lintott, Hakiki, McDonagh, Malley, Jonathan, Edling, McElroy, Malone. 

Rovers XI V Cork: Sargeant, Lintott, Denham, McElroy, McDonagh, Malone, Malley, Hakiki, Mallon, Kavanagh, Elding. 

Subs: Walsh, Jonathan, Priosti.  

Sligo Rovers is pleased to announce that the 2025 Super Reds Open Day will take place on Sunday, 9 February, at The Showgrounds.

Schedule for the day:

• Registration: From 1pm in the clubhouse
• Activities: 2pm – 3pm on the Astro pitch
• Autograph session: 3pm – 3:30pm with first-team players and John Russell

All attendees are asked to enter via the Astroturf car park.

This event is exclusive to 2025 Super Red members. However, there is still time to join by purchasing a Super Red Season Ticket through the link below:

🔗 https://www.sligorovers.com/season-tickets/

Super Reds will receive their 2025 Season Ticket and training top on the day, provided their application is submitted before 7 February. New members are encouraged to sign up and take part in this exciting event.

As part of the day’s activities, Super Reds will have the chance to meet first-team players, take part in football activities, and enjoy a memorable experience at The Showgrounds.

A parent or guardian must accompany each child on the day.

The club shop will be open from 1:30pm for those wishing to purchase official merchandise.

For those interested in joining the Super Reds for 2025, applications are still open via the link below:

🔗 https://www.sligorovers.com/season-tickets/