Speaking to sligorovers.com this afternoon, the Bit O’Red boss was fulsome in his praise of the new additions.

“I’m delighted to have signed Daniel and Mark. They both played with Accrington Stanley in winning the conference, and are players who I really know what they are capable of.

“Ventre is an uncompromising defender who can play anywhere across the back. He gives his all and I’m sure will become a fans favourite in time. Mark is a fantastically talented central midfielder who, when up to pace, will prove very influential,” the Liverpudlian native commented.

There has been movement the other way with Zoltan Vasas leaving the club this week by mutual consent. Local man Sean Flannery has also left the club recently.

“Unfortunately, it wasn’t working out with Sean in terms of the full-time training regime. He’s an honest lad, a good player and like all the players who leave, they go with our best wishes and will be welcome back in the Showgrounds at any time.”

Cook has acknowledged the recent fundraising initiatives have made a difference but there’s more to be done.

“I can’t thank enough the effort of the supporters in recent weeks with the various fundraisers and the syndicate – they’ve been a big help. But I was in Galway last night and there was a massive crowd for the game against Cork. And Galway haven’t been winning at home.

“We shouldn’t have to be going well for fans to come out. They have to come out for us to get better. I’m still looking to shore up things and I’m hoping to sign three more players before the end of July. So the more people that come through the gates on Saturday the better quality of player that I can bring to the club. The players have proven over the last few weeks that they can beat anyone in the country. Now it’s up to the fans to show that they want to match that,” he concluded.

Kick-off on Saturday night against Galway United at The Showgrounds is 7.45pm.

By Paraic Casey