Garry Buckley has signed a contract with Sligo Rovers for 2021, the club are delighted to announce this morning.

The 27-year-old joined the Bit O’ Red this year and ended up as a first-choice centre-half, forming a pairing with John Mahon.

Buckley impressed throughout the year and commits to Rovers today, saying he is staying at The Showgrounds with a target to win trophies and make qualifying for Europe a regular occurrence.

“I saw the potential in the club when I joined and I think that potential is growing stronger. Getting to Europe this season was a bonus when you consider the start we had and our target was getting out of a tough position after the lockdown.

“There are top players at the club and the manager has targeted improving it even further. There is a core of a group that can go on to be among the best in the country.  I know how good this group is, it’s the best I’ve been involved in for a while.

“I had spoken with the manager for about going to centre-half one day, it was a position I felt I’d be comfortable in. I was injured in the first game back against Derry and that put me out for a month which was tough to take.

“But coming back I formed that partnership with John which I enjoyed and thought worked well. I get on well with John and I think we complement each other.

“I moved to Sligo for a new challenge and I’m delighted with how it has worked out so far. My girlfriend moved up here with me and she loves it too so I can have no complaints. We’re also a close group of players who live close to each other and get on well.  Next season has to be one where we find a consistency over the course of the year. We need to get the form we had after the season resumed and do it over the season.

“I’m here to win trophies, play in Europe and achieve things. I know the potential and we have to capitalise on it. It won’t be easy in this league, every other club is looking to do the same. Talent wise we have the basis to do it.”

Liam Buckley said: “Garry has had a good first season here.

“He has shown what a good a defender he is and that he can play either position to a high standard. The partnership with John Mahon worked well for us. I do feel next season that partnership can develop even more.

“Garry is a very accomplished footballer and with the style of play we are trying to develop here, he will be an important player for us from that end. He brings that experience of winning big matches and trophies and I know he’s determined to achieve more.

“That is what we want here. It’s another great addition for our group, we’re very happy he’ll be with us for next season.”

Under contract at Sligo Rovers for 2021 so far: Ed McGinty, Luke McNicholas, Lewis Banks, Garry Buckley, John Mahon, David Cawley, Niall Morahan, Ryan De Vries, Mark Byrne.