| Rovers syndicate raises €60,000 for player fund |
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| Wednesday, 25 July 2007 | |
 The ambitious target of raising a transfer ‘kitty’ of €50,000 to strengthen the Sligo Rovers squad has exceeded all expectations and has raised €10,000 more than the original target. Manager Paul Cook now has €60,000 at his disposal to enter the transfer market as Roves aim to continue the progress the shown in the first half of the season. The unique fundraising scheme was first proposed by local businessman Vincent Nally at the Sligo Rovers forum earlier this season, and he put together a committee to help promote and administer the venture. The objective was to form 20 syndicates of €2,000 each and Vincent offered the added incentive of committing an additional €10,000 if the project succeeded in raising €50,000 in time for the opening of the transfer ‘window’ in July. Explained Vincent ‘My view was that the club was at a cross-roads. The new manager Paul Cook was doing an excellent job in very challenging conditions with a limited squad. However the modest attendances and substantial weekly expenditure meant there was no funding available for signing new players, and this was hugely frustrating for the manager and everyone at the club. That was the background to our decision to devise this fundraising scheme, and the Sligo Rovers supporters have responded magnificently. I think they share our admiration for Paul Cook’s stewardship of the team since he took over, and this is reflected in the way our original target has been exceeded.’ Club Chairman Michael Toolan is a member of the fundraising team, and he commended Vincent for once again ‘delivering for Sligo Rovers’. He remarked ‘Vincent Nally has an unrivalled track record in fundraising for Sligo Rovers, and I honestly don’t know where we would be without his business acumen and drive, which has seen substantial funding raised through this annual golf classics and his management of advertising signage in the ground. This latest initiative has certainly captured the interest of the general public, and we were delighted with the way they came on board to help Rovers progress to the next level.’ An interesting feature of the syndicate project has been the wide cross-section of support, with syndicates being formed from both the business community and the wider community. Vincent Nally explained ‘We received support from every level of the Sligo Rovers community, from people in Sligo and further afield, and this shows that our supporters share our admiration for Paul Cook and believe in his ability to bring success to the club.’ Such has been the success of the scheme, Vincent and his team have decided to host a special draw for syndicate members which will see two lucky supporters heading to either Old Trafford or Anfield for an ‘all expenses trip’ for a top English Premier League fixtures next season. The draw will be held at this weekend’s Shamrock Rovers game, and is being held as a ‘thank you’ gesture for the many people who took part in a syndicate. Michael Toolan feels the success of the scheme is an excellent boost for the club as it heads into the second half of the season. ‘I think everyone associated with the club acknowledges the excellent job Paul Cooke is doing, and this fund will give him the opportunity to use his experience and wide range of contacts to strengthen the squad.’ The Syndicate Committee chaired by Vincent Nally included Rovers Chairman Michael Toolan, Vice Chairman Tony Quinn, Michael Clancy and Fergal Keaveney. |
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