Top scorer Wilson Waweru has agreed a deal which extends his current contract to the end of the 2026 season, Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce. 

Waweru signed for the club in the winter of 2023 from Galway United, following an impressive season on loan at First Division side Cobh Ramblers. The 23-year-old made his Bit O’Red debut in the first home game of the season, when he was introduced from the bench, replacing Max Mata in a scoreless draw with Derry City at the Showgrounds. His first goal for the club came against Drogheda United at the same venue in March. 

Waweru went on to play 30 times for the club in 2024, scoring ten goals including a magnificent FAI Cup hat-trick against Cobh Wanderers. 

The Galway native’s season was cut short in cruel circumstances in September when he suffered an achilles injury in the win over Dundalk at the Showgrounds. Waweru is currently undergoing rehab for the injury after successful surgery and is expected to miss the first few months of next season. 

“I’m over the moon to get the deal done”, Waweru says. “The year didn’t end the way I wanted to but the surgery went well and I’m looking forward to recovering and getting back out there. It’s a slow process but I’ll get there.”

The striker paid tribute to manager John Russell who he says showed great faith in Waweru from day one.

“I can’t thank him enough for backing me the way he has”, Wilson continues. “I’ve learned so much from him, Ryan Casey and all the staff. The training is a step up from anything I’ve ever experienced and it’s helped me improve as a player. I’ve also learned a lot from my team-mates and getting game time and what I have learned can only stand to me when I get back out there. Scoring goals is my favourite thing to do and I want to keep doing it once I get back.”   

Speaking on Waweru’s new deal, Russell spoke of the centre forward’s potential and his keenness to see his striker back on the pitch as soon as possible. 

“We’re delighted Wilson has extended his contract with the club”, he said. “Wilson has all the attributes to become a top centre forward in this league. He has scored a lot of important goals for us this season and we believe he will continue to get better and better. 

“We know he will be on the sidelines for a period of time after sustaining his injury against Dundalk but I know from speaking to Wilson he’s determined to come back fitter and stronger. We’re all looking forward to seeing him back next year as he’s an important part of the team and he’s shown that already. 

“It’s vital that we continue to build our team moving into next year and Wilson will play a big part in the future.”

David Goulden

An injury hit Sligo Rovers were beaten by Bohemians at the Showgrounds, ending the Bit O’Red’s magnificent run of seven league wins in a row on home soil. 

Goals from Dawson Devoy and Archie Meekison were enough for a disciplined Bohs who are now seven points clear of Drogheda and therefore cannot be caught by the ninth placed Boynesiders with two games to go. 

The result also hit Rovers’ outside chances of European qualification, as they now sit five points off fourth place with two games to go. 

Missing a handful of attacking players courtesy of both injury and suspension, Rovers were forced into two changes with Kailin Barlow and Owen Elding replacing Ellis Chapman and Luke Pearce from the score draw against Derry last Monday. 

Knowing a second win in Sligo this season would assure their top flight status for yet another year, Bohs made just the one change in personnel from their loss to St Pat’s. Martin Miller returned in place of the suspended Ross Tierney who was sent off against the Saints. 

In front of the biggest attendance this year, Rovers were chasing down eight league wins at home in a row for the first time this century. Skipper Niall Morahan had the game’s first opportunity seven minutes in when Ollie Denham nodded Will Fitzgerald’s corner back across the face of goal for Morahan who was unable to get a clean contact with his header which sailed narrowly wide. 

Arguably Rovers’ outstanding performer this term, goalkeeper Ed McGinty pulled off what is now a trademark reaction save to deny James Clarke from five yards. The Oxford loanee somehow got a hand to Clarke’s point blank effort from a Dawson Devoy cross. 

On his centenary appearance, Sligo’s Will Fitzgerald fizzed a drive across the bow of Kacper Chorazka’s goal on 22 minutes, moments before the Gypsies hit the front. 

Clarke’s work forced the ball through to Devoy who created enough space for himself to fire into the corner of McGinty’s net from ten yards out. 

Lifted by this, Bohs had a short period of dominance but it was the hosts who ended the half the stronger. 

Elding did well to lay JR Wilson’s cross into the path of Simon Power, but the Wicklow man was slightly behind Elding’s assist as he could only wrap the ball the wrong side of Chorazka’s far post. While the Pole had to use both hands to push Fitzgerald’s lusciously struck half-volley over his crossbar 60 seconds from the interval.  

The Dubliners spurned a great chance to extend their lead on 63 minutes when Dayle Rooney blazed over after Denham got the ball stuck under his feet. 

Elding should have had Sligo level on 76 minutes but shot wide with the goal at his mercy. The group of Bohs defenders in close proximity did enough to put off the teenager. 

Russell’s side were to regret this six minutes later when Connor Malley conceded play in midfield. Devoy was allowed travel unchallenged before finding Meekison whose neatly struck effort flew past McGinty. 

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; JR Wilson, Niall Morahan, Ollie Denham, Reece Hutchison; Jack Henry-Francis, Conor Malley; Will Fitzgerald, Kailin Barlow (Stefan Radosavljevic 67), Owen Elding; Simon Power.  

Bohemians: Kacper Chorazka; Martin Miller, Jake Carroll, Cian Byrne, Paddy Kirk; Adam McDonnell (Danny Grant 78), Jordan Flores; Archie Meekison (Jevon Mills 92), Dawson Devoy, Dayle Rooney; James Clarke (Alexander Greive 84). 

Referee: Rob Harvey

Attendance: 3,436

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers recently conducted a comprehensive survey among supporters to understand their views on climate change, its impacts on the community, and how the club can play a role in driving sustainable action. With the support of the European Football for Development Network (EFDN) and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), the survey saw over 600 fans sharing their insights and concerns.

We are delighted to share the full results, analysed by the EFDN, which demonstrate the commitment of the Rovers community to tackling climate challenges. The findings reveal that fans are not only concerned about climate change but also recognise the unique role Sligo Rovers can play in promoting sustainable practices.

The Rovers community is not immune from the real impacts of the climate emergency, and we all have a role to play in helping create a sustainable future for this and future generations of supporters. We will keep everyone informed of the next steps in this process.

Key Findings and Next Steps:

Survey responses highlighted barriers such as cost and awareness in adopting climate-friendly solutions, with nearly 90% of fans expressing that affordability is essential for broader climate action. The results also underscore a strong desire for Sligo Rovers to lead by example, with over 75% of fans advocating for the club’s active involvement in sustainability efforts.

Jamie Murphy, Football and Social Responsibility Officer at Sligo Rovers, commented:
“We are absolutely delighted with the levels of engagement we received on our Community Climate Captains survey. It demonstrates that a large majority of supporters recognise the serious threat posed by climate change while also acknowledging the role we as a club have to play in helping tackle those issues. The results of the survey strongly support the fact that Rovers, like other parts of society, have a responsibility to act and we are looking forward to doing that”

In response to these findings, Sligo Rovers is exploring a range of initiatives to support sustainable action.

We invite all fans to read the complete report and learn more about our ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Please see the full report below.

For further information, please contact fsr@sligorovers.com.

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that no less than four academy graduates have agreed professional deals with the club. 

Daire Patton, Kyle McDonagh, Gareth McElroy and Conor Reynolds have each committed to pro-contracts for next year, further strengthening the Bit O’Red’s commitment to nurturing and developing players from within its own ranks. 

The news comes as a further boost to the club following the news that first team manager John Russell has signed a new two year deal. 

18-year-old Patton has been at the club since he was 13 and was a stand-out talent as he rose through the ranks at both club and schoolboy level for Summerhill. The skillful midfielder has represented the Republic of Ireland at schoolboy level and has featured twice for Rovers’ senior team, making his debut against Bohemians earlier this year. 

McDonagh has played three times for the first team and has also represented his country. The Tubbercurry native made his senior debut against Derry City at the Brandywell when he replaced Stefan Radosavljevic back in May. 

Rovers supporters will already be familiar with Burnfoot born McElroy who has impressed since his first team debut in a win over Waterford at the Showgrounds in September. A commanding centre-half, McElroy has slotted into the heart of the Sligo defence on three occasions this term following the departure of Nando Pijnaker. The 19-year-old also played a key role in the club’s under 20s team this season.

While Reynolds, another centre half, made his debut back in 2023 against Cork City and has gone on to line out for the first team on three more occasions. An unfortunate leg injury cut short his opportunities for senior football after he sustained the knock in the win over Shelbourne at Tolka Park back in May. Although there was good news for the Westport native who continued his recovery with a brief appearance in the mid-season friendly with Celtic earlier this week. Reynolds has also been capped at international level. 

Commenting on the deals, Russell says the news is further proof of how the club’s underage structures are run. 

“Developing players through the academy system and bringing them to a level where they are ready for first team football is what the underage set-up at the club is there for”, he said. 

“Daire, Kyle, Gareth and Conor are each proof of the great work the academy coaches are doing here at Rovers. It shows that the academy structures are in good shape and it’s a huge boost for the first team when we can call on the young lads when needed. All four have reasonable first team experience at young ages and each have excelled when called upon. It’s an indication of how healthy a state the club is in when you have groups of players rising through to sign professional deals. 

“We are always keen to give youth a chance here at the Showgrounds and we will be looking to further develop and sign from our own academy as the years go on.” 

David Goulden  

Ten-man Sligo Rovers were unlucky not to take all three points at the Ryan McBride Brandywell on Monday evening.

A stunning Connor Malley strike in the first half had Rovers in a more than deserved lead against Derry City, however an unfortunate Reece Hutchinson own goal allowed the hosts slip back into this game.

Rovers were up against it for the last quarter of this tie when Luke Pearce was shown a second yellow card following a challenge on City goalkeeper Brian Maher. However, John Russell’s side remained a constant threat and looked the most likely to claim a winner which never arrived. 

The draw sees Rovers keep pace with the sides near the summit of the league, sitting just six points off leaders Shels. 

The away side hit the front on 34 minutes when man of the match Jack Henry-Francis teed up Malley for a sumptuous long range strike into the corner of Maher’s goal. 

Derry emptied their talented bench at the interval in an attempt to wrangle a way back into this one and were handed an equaliser on 53 when a mix-up between Hutchinson and Ed McGinty saw the former turn the ball into his own net. 

Now also up against a buoyed home support, Rovers steadied the ship with a few super saves from McGinty.

While both Will Fitzgerald and Ellis Chapman fashioned chances at the far end as Derry held on. 

Pearce was shown a second yellow on 75 for what looked like an innocuous challenge on Maher. 

Despite the disadvantage, it was a determined Rovers who looked most likely to produce a winner.

Fitzgerald fired narrowly over from an Owen Elding cross with seven to go. 

Derry City: Brian Maher, Ronan Boyce, Mark Connolly, Andre Wisdom (Colm Whelan, Ciaran Coll; Sadou Diallo (Sean Robertson 85), Adam O’Reilly (Patrick McEleney HT), Will Patching (Jacob Davenport HT); Michael Duffy, Pat Hoban (Daniel Mullen 36), Paul McMullan

Sligo Rovers: Edward McGinty, John Ross Wilson, Niall Morahan, Oliver Denham, Reece Hutchinson; Jack Henry-Francis, Connor Malley; Ellis Chapman (Owen Elding 73); Simon Power, Luke Pearce, Will Fitzgerald.

Referee: Paul Norton (Dublin)

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that no less than four academy graduates have agreed professional deals with the club. 

Daire Patton, Kyle McDonagh, Gareth McElroy and Conor Reynolds have each committed to pro-contracts for next year, further strengthening the Bit O’Red’s commitment to nurturing and developing players from within its own ranks. 

The news comes as a further boost to the club following the news that first team manager John Russell has signed a new two year deal. 

18-year-old Patton has been at the club since he was 13 and was a stand-out talent as he rose through the ranks at both club and schoolboy level for Summerhill. The skillful midfielder has represented the Republic of Ireland at schoolboy level and has featured twice for Rovers’ senior team, making his debut against Bohemians earlier this year. 

McDonagh has played three times for the first team and has also represented his country. The Tubbercurry native made his senior debut against Derry City at the Brandywell when he replaced Stefan Radosavljevic at just 16 back in May. 

Rovers supporters will already be familiar with Burnfoot born McElroy who has impressed since his first team debut in a win over Waterford at the Showgrounds in September. A commanding centre-half, McElroy has slotted into the heart of the Sligo defence on three occasions this term following the departure of Nando Pijkanker. The 19-year-old also played a key role in the club’s under 20s team this season.

While Reynolds, another centre half, made his debut back in 2023 against Cork City and has gone on to line out for the first team on three more occasions. An unfortunate leg injury cut short his opportunities for senior football after he sustained the knock in the win over Shelbourne at Tolka Park back in May. Although there was good news for the Westport native who continued his recovery with a brief appearance in the mid-season friendly with Celtic earlier this week. Reynolds has also been capped at international level. 

Commenting on the deals, Russell says the news is further proof of how the club’s underage structures are run. 

“Developing players through the academy system and bringing them to a level where they are ready for first team football is what the underage set-up at the club is there for”, he said. 

“Daire, Kyle, Gareth and Conor are each proof of the great work the academy coaches are doing here at Rovers. It shows that the academy structures are in good shape and it’s a huge boost for the first team when we can call on the young lads when needed. All four have reasonable first team experience at young ages and each have excelled when called upon. It’s an indication of how healthy a state the club is in when you have groups of players rising through to sign professional deals. 

“We are always keen to give youth a chance here at the Showgrounds and we will be looking to further develop and sign from our own academy as the years go on.” 

David Goulden   

Sligo Rovers are back in front of the television cameras again this Monday night as the Bit O’Red travel to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium to take on Derry City, kick-off 7.15pm.

This game was initially meant to take place on Friday, October 4th but was rescheduled due to Derry’s involvement in the FAI Cup. 

This will be Rovers’ second visit to the Brandywell this season after claiming a well deserved draw with Ruaidhiri Higgins’ side back in May. 

Rovers’ recent form against the cup finalists has been impressive, having not lost to the Candystripes in their last four meetings.

Rovers boss John Russell was handed a boost this week with the return of both John Mahon and Conor Reynolds to the match day squad for Wednesday’s mid-season friendly against Celtic. 

Both players appeared for the latter portion of the late defeat to the Scottish outfit after missing the season to date with achilles and leg injuries respectively. 

However, neither Mahon or Reynolds will be available to travel to Derry next week.

In other team news, Daire Patton, Kyle McDonagh, Wilson Waweru and Stephen Mallon will all miss out due to knocks.

“It’s another really tough game against a title-challenger, but again we embrace these sort of games and really look forward to them”, Russell says.

“These are the games you want to be involved in where you’re still in with a great chance of getting a European spot. We’ll be doing all we can in these last few games to secure as high a finish as we can.

“We were genuinely unfortunate not to take the win from Tolka against Shels, so Derry will know they can expect a game. 

“We have a very good record against them recently and we’ll be looking to maintain that. They’ll be playing in front of a sold-out, expectant home crowd and also in front of the RTE cameras so it’s a huge night for everyone. They have a vast squad to choose from and have huge experience in all areas of the pitch, so it’s no wonder they’re chasing a double.”

Wednesday’s sold-out game with Celtic was Rovers’ first outing since that Shels stalemate two weeks ago. Russell selected several first team players for that game and was happy with how it went.

“It was great to stretch the legs and keep that freshness in the boys given we had no game the weekend previous. It was a great evening for the club and I thought we performed very well, even with the chopping and changing with subs in the second half.

“It was great to see John (Mahon) back on the pitch. He’s a local lad who loves the club and you could see by the reception he received when he came on, how well regarded he is amongst our supporters. His recovery has been steady but we need to ease him back in.

“Neither he or Conor will be involved on Monday but we’re hopeful they’ll be ready for a few competitive minutes in the next few weeks.”

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers are thrilled to confirm that First Team Manager John Russell has signed a two year extension to his current contract. 

The Rovers boss has put pen to paper on a deal which extends his contract to the end of the 2026 League of Ireland season.

Russell, who won two FAI Cups with the club as a player, took over in summer 2022 having served as assistant to former manager Liam Buckley for three and a half seasons. 

Shortly after being appointed, Russell guided the club past both Welsh outfit Bala Town and Scottish Premiership side Motherwell in the Europa Conference League. This feat meant that the Galway native is the only manager to steer Rovers through two rounds of European competition in the storied 96-year history of the club.

2023 was a mixed year for the club on the pitch, but despite operating off one of the Premier Division’s tightest budgets and losing star players through long-term injury and transfers across 2024, Russell’s men currently sit just seven points off the league’s top spot with four games remaining. 

Qualification for Europe is still a possibility as things stand, while the fact that the club are mathematically still in the hunt for the league title, speaks volumes regarding Russell’s achievement this year. 

Speaking having signed the deal, Russell says he is eager to progress the club further and build on the work he and his staff have done to date. The Rovers boss also repeated his previous statement in regards to the fan-owned model the club proudly operates under. Russell is keen to keep discovering opportunities and different ways to further develop Sligo Rovers in relation to the more traditional model. 

“I’m absolutely delighted to extend my contract at the club. We have made really good progress this season”, he says.

“I feel myself and the staff have created a really good environment for our players to develop, improve and play with confidence. We want to win, but we want to win by playing an attractive, attacking brand of football, while continuing to promote from within our academy. 

“I understand our club model but that does not mean we cannot be competitive. We need to continue to be innovative in how we operate. 

“I’m excited for the challenge ahead and I am determined to bring success to this football club.”

Sligo Rovers chairperson Tommy Higgins welcomed the news, saying: “We’re over the moon to have secured terms with someone who knows this club inside out. John has proven himself as one of the top young managers in the country is someone we feel can really take this club forward. He has produced some really striking results on the pitch and has made the squad really competitive in what is the tightest season of League of Ireland football in recent memory.

“We are looking forward to seeing how far John can take us.” 

David Goulden