Francely Lomboto is Sligo Rovers manager John Russell’s first new signing ahead of the 2025 League of Ireland season, the club can confirm.

The 24-year-old winger joins from Galway United having spent the last four seasons with the Tribesmen’s first team and has signed a one year deal at the Showgrounds. Lomoboto has agreed a pre-contract and will officially join the club on December 1st.

Lomboto, who can also play as a striker, arrived at Eamonn Deacy Park having joined the club from local junior side Galway Hibernians. He starred at both under 17 and under 19 levels before making his first team debut against Cabinteely in July 2020. In all, Lomboto played 93 times for Galway, scoring 13 times.

Speaking about the move, Rovers’ latest acquisition mentions how conversations between himself and Russell left him with little doubt as to where his future lay. While the promising attacker also spoke of his pride of playing with a club whose links are so deeply set within the local community.    

“The connection with the supporters and the style of play were the two biggest attractions. John was very honest in our conversations, which I admire”, he says. 

“He told me exactly where I can improve and improve whilst also complimenting my strengths. He understands what it’s like to be a player and play for Rovers so he could relate with me.

“Rovers are one of those clubs which is all about the fans. It’s fan owned so there’s a strong community connection. You can see that support goes further than just match night. The locals live and breathe the football club and there’s a lot of history here. The sense of pride and tradition really stands out and I cannot wait to represent that.

“I’ve been wanting a new challenge and after talking with John, it just felt right. He’s got a real vision for the club and you can sense the ambition. I’m excited as I feel I’ll be part of something special for 2025.

“I feel like in 2024 at Galway, I only showed glimpses of what I can do. I know I can accomplish something great at the Showgrounds.”  

Lomboto joins up with former Galway team mate Wilson Waweru and Russell is hoping that Lomboto can have the same impact top-scorer Waweru had in his first season at the club.

“We are delighted that Francely has agreed to join us”, Russell says.

“He is a player with a lot of pace and power and we feel he can really improve his game and he will become a very important player for us. I know from our conversations that Francely is very motivated and is ready for a new challenge here at Rovers.

“We are really looking forward to working with him.”

Lomboto is the eleventh player to commit to the Showgrounds for 2025. He joins Ollie Denham, Connor Malley, Wilson Waweru, Conor Reynolds, Gareth McElroy, Daire Patton, Kyle McDonagh, Stephen Mallon, Owen Elding and Kailin Barlow as part of next year’s first team squad. 

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers has welcomed the allocation of €376,270 under the Government’s Community Sports Facility Fund. This funding will be used for floodlights, astro and facility upgrades.

Sligo Rovers Chairman Tommy Higgins said:

“This is a very significant investment and enables us to take the next steps in the redevelopment of the Showgrounds. I want to take this opportunity to thank Minister Catherine Martin, Minister of State Thomas Byrne and Frank Feighan TD for the interest they have taken in our development plans for the Showgrounds.

“We look forward to working with officials from the department to progress the works covered under this grant. These works are an integral part our Master Plan for the Showgrounds, and with funding allocations under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) expected shortly, these are very exciting times for the Sligo Rovers community as we aim to deliver a modern multi-sports stadium in the lead up to our Centenary celebrations in 2028.’

25th September 2024

By Jim Gray

Within hours of last Friday night’s humiliating result in Drogheda, the WhatsApp Group of the Sligo Rovers Annual Draw volunteers was buzzing. Not, as might have been a reasonable reaction, with recrimination or self-pity, but rather with a resolve to double-down on efforts to make this year’s fund-raiser the most successful ever. The show must go on.

“Funnily enough, results on the field have never had any relevance to the success or otherwise of the draw,” Mark Cummins confirms. “The worry might be more about the effect on the morale of our sellers, but the response on our WhatsApp group demonstrated that everybody is still up for it, not deterred in any way, still raring to go. That’s the spirit which keeps this club going, in good times and bad.”

Mark is the club’s Stadium Development Officer. In recent years, he’s taken on the role of the Annual Draw co-ordinator, planning, plotting, perfecting a military-precision operation which in the last two years alone has raised a staggering 212,000 euro. His father, Seamus, is a former Chairman of the club who oversaw the historic 1983 FAI Cup campaign but who also steered the club through some difficult financial storms. So, Mark knows the value of a few bob in a community-owned and run club where a ravenous wolf is constantly gnawing at the door.

The Annual Draw is one of three vital pillars in the club’s fund-raising operation, alongside the weekly Lotto and the 500 Club. It comes at a crucial time in the season, its earnings plugging holes which might otherwise prove catastrophic.

Mark explains: “The proceeds come in at a very important time of the year. There’s the mid-season break, maybe we’re out of the FAI Cup, there’s no European football, but the wages still have to be paid every week.  It helps the club trade throughout the months of June, July, August and September, often lean times in terms of other income. Without that cash flow at that particular period of the season things could become extremely difficult.”

Initially mainly a town-based effort with a more restricted time-span, the draw has built huge momentum in recent years, with an increasing number of volunteers enabling a much wider area to be covered. The team now numbers 30 committed men and women who pound the streets, knock on doors, drilling deep into previously uncharted territory over a period of about three months. 

With almost evangelical zeal, and a hunger which would put electioneering politicians to shame, they painstakingly cover the terrain, inching across the county from North to South, East to West, traversing borders into Leitrim and Roscommon, spreading the Rovers gospel as they go. 

They take to the road on three nights each week, one of which will be a dedicated ‘blitz’, where they’ll hit an area with more than a dozen bodies, seeking out even the most obscure addresses.

“We cover all the bigger towns and villages, and we’ve been down practically every country road and boreen. The more volunteers we have, the more mileage we’ll cover. This year, we’ve been in Boyle for the first time; last year we went to Easkey and Dromore West for the first time; hopefully next year we’ll get as far as Ballina. It’s not rocket science, the more bodies we have on the ground, the greater the return will be,” Mark points out.

Although the effort represents a huge workload for those involved, Mark insists it’s a thoroughly enjoyable undertaking.

“There’s a great spirit amongst the sellers,” he confirms. “We’re always messaging each other after a night on the road, so we know how things are going and we’re able to boost each other. There’s always a bit of craic.  People say it must be tough, but to us it never seems that way.

“Our aim setting out each night is to hit every door possible, even doors where we’re fairly sure we won’t get a sale. Sometimes it can be briefly demoralising, but the point is that even if we don’t sell a ticket at a particular door, we still get 15 or 20 seconds to talk to people about Rovers. So, it’s a PR exercise as much as anything, an opportunity to promote the club.  We’d often come across people who’ll tell us they’ve never been in the Showgrounds, but they want to help anyway. It is never time wasted.”

Emphasising that the reaction is seldom directly related to results, Mark subscribes to the view that if on-field success was the only criteria in keeping Rovers afloat the club would have run aground decades ago.

“The reality is this club has never relied on trophies for its survival,” he maintains. “People talk about the glory years, which is fair enough. But, in a sense these are the glory years. Since relegation was introduced, this is the longest period we’ve gone without going down. That’s success.

“On the doorsteps people might moan about a particular result, but they’ll do it as they’re filling in a ticket and handing over a tenner. In most cases, people are much more likely to talk about the work we’re doing in the community, or the regional summer camps, or the birthday parties at the Showgrounds. It’s always much more than results. The club reaches out and connects with people in a manner which is much deeper than whether we’ve won or lost a couple of games.”  

The admirable work of the foot-soldiers is augmented by a number of individuals who take 50 books of tickets and distribute them amongst family and friends, amounting to an impressive return of 5,000 euro. In addition, the Bit’O’Red Supporters Trust (BORST) sell up to 20,000 euro worth of tickets, and the Dublin Supporters’ Club chips in another 5,000 euro. Online sales attract support from America, Australia and countless other locations around the globe where exiled Rovers fans are glad of the opportunity to lend a hand.

In 2022, a new record was set when the draw raised a total of 104,000 euro. Last year, that figure was surpassed by another 4,000 euro. The target this year is to create a new milestone of 110,000 euro, as sales efforts are intensified in the final three weeks.

The draw, which carries a first prize of 5,000 euro and an enticing array of other rewards, will take place at the Showgrounds on September 21^st, during half-time of the tie against Dundalk. Tickets, priced at 10 euro each, will be on sale right up to the last minute. 

The heroic efforts of those involved in the annual draw illustrate yet again that win, lose or draw, Rovers persevere because of the efforts of selfless volunteers and supporters. It has always been this way. The show must go on.

Tickets for the 2024 Annual Draw can be bought using the link below 👇

https://srfcdirect.com/annual-draw-ticket-2024

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that Glasgow Celtic will travel to the Showgrounds to take on the Bit O’Red for a mid-season friendly on Wednesday October 9th, kick-off 7.30pm.

The game will honour the memory of the late Tommie Gorman, lifelong Sligo Rovers supporter, who was instrumental in initiating this visit of the Scottish giants to Sligo before he sadly passed away in June. It will also celebrate the friendship and close links between the clubs along with marking Celtic’s historical links to County Sligo.

This match will take place just a few miles from the birthplace of Andrew Kerins, better known as Brother Walfrid, a Ballymote native who founded Celtic all the way back in 1888. Statues honouring Brother Walfrid are erected both at Celtic Park and in Ballymote town itself. 

Another intrinsic tie and a huge figure which connects Rovers and Celtic will also be celebrated on the day and that is Sean Fallon, the Sligo native who not only played for both clubs but was also Celtic’s assistant manager when the famous Lisbon Lions beat Inter Milan in the 1967 European Cup final. That incredible triumph marked Celtic as the first ever British side to win this competition, the precursor to the modern day Champions League. 

Fondly remembered in Glasgow as Celtic’s ‘Iron Man’, the astro-turf facilities at the Showgrounds are also named after Fallon.  

This meeting follows on from Rovers’ meeting with Everton in July of this year and once again, there is expected to be huge interest as another giant of European football visits Church Hill Road. 

Celtic first team manager Brendan Rodgers will travel with his squad. He is looking forward to visiting Sligo and bringing some of his first team to the Showgrounds. 

“When you’re working at a club like Celtic you are reminded every day of its history”, he says. “So it’s great to be able to visit and play in Sligo, a place where the club has so many amazing links.  The game takes place during the international window so it’ll be a good work out for the first team players who aren’t involved with their countries that week. We know there is a huge Celtic following in Ireland, nowhere more so than in the north west, so it will be a great chance for so many to see the players in action.”

“For myself personally, its always great to go home so this is a trip I am really looking forward to but for everyone else of course, both sets of fans and both clubs, I know this will be a great occasion.”

Rovers boss John Russell is also anticipating the visit of the Scottish Premiership champions. 

“It’ll be a great day for both clubs given the history Celtic have here in Sligo”, he notes. “I’d expect the game to sell out straight away and it’ll be great to see the Showgrounds packed to the rafters. It’ll be a nice test for our boys to see how they get on against one of the biggest clubs in the world. The excitement in the area when Everton visited in the summer was amazing and I’d expect a huge amount of attention will be focused on this game also.” 

Interest in this game is expected to be high and supporters are advised to secure their tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment. 

A priority window for tickets for Rovers supporters will take place at the Showgrounds for season ticket holders, Super Reds, 500 Club members and full members of the club this Monday, September 9th and Tuesday, September 10th between 10am and 5pm. All those purchasing tickets must provide proof that they are eligible to purchase tickets under one of the aforementioned categories. 

Tickets will then go on general online sale this Wednesday, September 11th at 10am

Tickets are €25 general admission and there will be a limited number of concession tickets available, with OAPs/students/over 12s costing €18 and U12s costing €12. 

All online tickets are subject to a €2 booking fee. 

Sligo Rovers can confirm that defender Nando Pijnaker has left the club with immediate effect and will continue his career closer to home, with a fee being agreed with his new club.

Pijnaker leaves the Showgrounds following over two and a half years at the Bit O’Red. The 25-year-old initially joined the club on a loan deal from Portuguese side Rio Ave in early 2022 before Rovers made the deal permanent later that year. 

The Kiwi international made his Rovers debut at Richmond Park on the opening night of the 2022 season in a win over St Patrick’s Athletic and went to appear 84 times for the club. 

Pijnaker established himself as one of the League of Ireland’s top defenders and in doing so, understandably attracted the interest of a host of clubs from across the world. 

Speaking about Pijanker’s departure, Rovers boss John Russell thanked the centre half for his contribution to the club and explained the circumstances around the move.

“Every transfer window, there’s been interest in Nando. We turned down bids in the past and even last January he was close to leaving but we persuaded him to stay on”, Rusell says.

“We had an agreement with Nando that if the right move came for him, we would not stand in his way. He has an opportunity now to play at a club closer to where he is from and I and the club have kept our word in regard to that.

“Nando has been a big player for us since joining the club. His game has developed over the seasons he’s been here and that’s a testament to him and the staff that have worked with him.

“I would like to thank Nando for all his efforts and wish him all the best in his future career.” 

Sligo Rovers go in search of a fifth league win on the bounce this Sunday as the Bit O’Red travel to Dublin to take on St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park, kick-off 6pm. 

Initially due to take place on Friday evening, this game was moved back by two days to accommodate Pat’s Europa Conference League campaign. Rovers will be looking for a second win over the Saints this season after May’s one goal defeat of the Inchicore side at the Showgrounds, Ellis Chapman with Sligo’s goal that evening. 

Pat’s did beat Rovers a month previous in Dublin. A Luke Turner brace followed by a strike from Mason Melia handed John Daly’s men all the points. 

Stephen Kenny is now in charge of Pat’s and the former Republic of Ireland manager will lead his side out against Rovers for the first time this weekend. 

Rovers are boosted by the return of both Stephen Mallon and JR Wilson from suspension, while Kailin Barlow returns after he missed the win over Galway United with a knock picked up in the recent mid-season friendly with Everton. 

Stefan Radosavljevic will not make the game after he picked up an injury during the week. John Mahon and Conor Reynolds also continue their recoveries. 

As above, Rovers are looking to make it five league wins in a row after victories over Shamrock Rovers, Derry City, Bohs and Galway United saw the Bit O’Red shoot up the league table in recent weeks. 

That win over Galway came courtesy of goals from the in-form Wilson Waweru and recent signing Luke Pearce who found the net on his league debut. Manager John Russell says he wants both players to work hard in their efforts to make the starting eleven.

“Wilson has been in great form in front of goal recently”, Russell says. “Luke has just come in but already has a league goal and scored one against Everton and has hit the ground running. You want to be in that situation, with players being in-form all over the pitch. That breeds positive competition and you want to be able to bring one goal scorer on for another, should it be required.”

Although they are in the middle of a European campaign, Russell expects no rustiness from Pat’s. He is also hoping for a big crowd in the away end on Sunday. 

“We are not expecting them to take the eye of the ball at all. Their next game is against Sligo Rovers and that will be their focus until Sunday night. Pat’s have a deep squad, full of talent and are extremely dangerous as any Stephen Kenny side would be. 

“They have the potential to score all types of goals and can score from any position. They have already shown us this year that they will punish you if you give them a chance. 

“We’ve been in excellent form recently and I think we are surprising a few people but that work has to continue. I said it before the Galway game, but our form is irrelevant once 6pm Sunday comes. We’re really looking forward to this one and I know our supporters are too. I would expect them to travel well, as they always do.”

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers manager Tommy Hewitt praised his players on Saturday evening despite a narrow defeat against hosts Bohemian FC in the Women’s Premier Division (WPD) at Dalymount Park.

Sligo Rovers manager Tommy Hewitt was full of praise for his players on Saturday evening despite a narrow reversal against hosts Bohemian FC in the Women’s Premier Division (WPD) at Dalymount Park.

It was the first game for a month for the Bit O’Red following various postponements and missing out on a round as the odd team of 11 in the WPD at the beginning of July.

The loss of Emma Doherty, Kelly Crompton and Zoe McGlynn, who transferred to other clubs, and the absence Keeva Flynn and Cara King meant that on this occasion almost half the team from the previous outing against champions Peamount at the of June had to be replaced.

To suggest that the changes were seamless wouldn’t be quite accurate, but what was obvious and evident was the depth of young talent that the club is producing though the Academy.

There was also the inclusion of Yvonne Hedigan for her first start for the Bit O’Red since she joined from Bohemian FC this season following a lengthy spell on the sideline after a serious injury.

Yvonne sustained a broken leg in 2021 and the road to recovery included a few setbacks along the way, but on Saturday the Sligo native, who attended Ursuline College with Emma Hansberry, got through 65 minutes at the centre of the defence.

Her experience was vital as the Bit O’Red defended tenaciously in the opening half and then pressed for what proved to be an elusive equaliser in the second-half.

That she departed with 25 minutes remaining wasn’t a reflection on her performance and more to do with that long absence from competitive action.

“We had a long break, about a month, we were coming into this game off the back of a defeat against the champions Peamount Utd, but I genuinely am very proud of the girls and although we lost it doesn’t feel like a loss,” stated the Bit O’Red manager.

“We were probably written off for this game because we lost players during the transfer window and we also had players on GAA duty in an All-Ireland final for Sligo.

“I felt we were the better team, especially in the second-half, it took us a while to find a rhythm, but that was to be expected with five changes.

“All we were missing was a goal, and that has been the story of our season so far, but everything else was positive and you must remember that Bohs defeated Galway Utd here a few weeks ago in their last home game.

“Yvonne (Hedigan) was immense, it was her first game in three years and it was understandable that she found the pace a bit much so it was as a precaution that she was substituted in the second-half.

“She (Yvonne) brings a wealth of experience to the team and I also have to mention young Mairead McIntyre who came on, she’s only 15 and didn’t look out of place.

“The two girls from the Gaelic will be back next week also and that will give us an extra dimension when it comes to picking the team for what will be a big test for us in the FAI Cup against another Dublin team, Terenure Rangers,” he concluded.