Sligo Rovers are excited to confirm that midfielder Jake Doyle-Hayes has agreed to join the club. The former Republic of Ireland underage international has signed a one year deal and is available to go straight into the squad for Saturday’s season opener against Waterford at the Showgrounds.

The 26-year-old began his career at Aston Villa at 16 before enjoying successful loan spells with both Cheltenham Town and Cambridge United. 

The Cavan man then moved to the Scottish Premiership and to St Mirren in 2020 before Hibs made a play for him one year later where he became an established first team player. 

Doyle-Hayes departed the Edinburgh club last month having played just short of 70 times for the Easter Road outfit. Having attracted interest from a multitude of clubs both domestically and abroad in recent weeks, the Ballyjamesduff native has now elected to choose the Bit O’Red for the coming year. 

“There was obviously a lot of interest in Jake given his quality and experience”, Rovers boss John Russell tells sligorovers.com, having clinched the deal.  

“The level he has played at is extremely high and he brings a lot of experience to the group, so I’m delighted to bring him to the club. 

“Jake brings real energy and aggression to our midfield. He is very comfortable on the ball and I think he will fit in perfectly with the way we want to play. 

“It was important we added some experience to our group in the window and I feel Jake can make a big impact with us.” 

Looking forward to his first year in Irish football, Doyle-Hayes says he is excited to get involved in what is shaping up to be a big year for Rovers. 

“After the manager got in contact, I spoke to people who I consider to have a good knowledge of the League of Ireland”, he says. 

“They all mentioned how competitive it was last year and how that’s not likely to change this year. So that’s exciting for me as I know I can make a difference in big moments. 

 “A few lads I would have played with have played here at home too and they all had great things to say about the league. I also know a few who played here with Rovers and everything they told me was positive. There’s a big fan base here and I can’t wait to get out there in front of them. 

“I was impressed with what John had to tell me about his plans and how he wants the team to play. I’m looking forward now to getting to know the club and my new teammates and getting the season started.  

The past year has thrown up both physical and mental challenges for Jake with a persistent ankle injury plaguing his 2024. But the midfielder believes he is over the worst and is ready to focus on what’s ahead of him on the pitch. 

Even at 26, he is also ready to step up as one of the leaders in what is a young squad given his experience in the UK.

“I’ve had ten great years over there. I moved over quite young but had a lot of exposure to some great coaches from a young age. I’ve also played with some top players and have gathered knowledge from them and by being in some really experienced changing rooms. It’s been a tough couple of years for me recently but I’m looking forward to playing as many games as I can for Rovers and getting back to my best. 

“I’ll do my best to add to what we already have here. I think this squad is more than capable of finishing high up the league table.”

David Goulden