Sligo Rovers boss John Russell has moved quickly in making his first new signing ahead of the 2026 season with the acquisition of midfielder Archie Meekison, the club are thrilled to confirm.  

News of the arrival of the 23-year-old arrives just days after Rovers secured Premier Division football for next year, following a decisive win over champions Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium. 

The Scot will officially link up with Rovers on December 1st having signed a pre-contract, just a few weeks ahead of pre-season training at the Showgrounds. 

A native of Edinburgh, Meekison honed his skills at Fife’s Kennoway United before moving to Dundee United at just six. He signed his first pro-deal in 2019 before spending time on loan at Cove Rangers, Spartans and Falkirk. He made his first team debut for Dundee at 18 in April 2021, scoring his first senior goal for the club just a few weeks later. 

After a 16 year stint with United, Meekison departed home in the summer of 2024 when he joined Bohs. He went on to make 29 league and two cup appearances for Alan Reynolds’ side, netting four times for the Dalymount outfit. 

His signature brings to 12, the number of players contracted for 2026.   

“There was interest from Rovers last year but I wanted to try and prove myself at Bohs”, Archie reveals. 

“But since this summer, myself, my agent and John have all kept in touch and I really appreciated how much John wanted to sign me. It’s always great to be wanted.

“When I had to make a decision as to where I was going in 2026, Sligo was always the answer.

“John seems confident and assured of how he wants his teams to play. He wants pace and excitement and I love that.” 

Meekison made his Bohs debut against Rovers in a two goal win for the Bit O’Red at Dalymount in July 2024, as a second half substitute. Almost 18 months in Irish football, he says he’s enjoying the fare so far. 

“It’s really high paced, intense and frantic at times. It’s very unpredictable. The fact that any team can beat any adds to it. It’s great for a player like me to be the difference maker. I’ve only been here a year and a half and have only lived in Dublin but Sligo seems more community focused and calmer. I hope to create really good relationships here with both fans and my team mates.” 

Talking about where he feels he can make the biggest impact on the pitch, Meekison says he’s at Rovers to bring goals and create chances for others.

“I’m at my best in the middle, picking up the ball in tight spaces and going at defenders with pace. I can also play off the wing too but I’m happy to go wherever I’m asked. I want to bring goals and assists and excite everyone.” 

When it comes to his ambition for 2026, Archie keeps it simple.

“I think our goal should be to win something! I think it’s important we get back to playing in Europe so targeting a European place would be the minimum expectation for me.” 

Speaking to sligorovers.com regarding his first new signing, Rovers boss Russell believes he’s secured the services of an extremely exciting talent. 

“Archie arrives here at the perfect time in his career”, Russell says. 

“He was excellent for Bohs when he got the chance but he probably didn’t get enough game time there to show his true potential. We believe the Showgrounds is the place where that potential is realised.

“He’s a creative player who I think will fit in well here. We require the type of player who can make things happen in the last third and Archie has the attributes we’re looking for to score goals and provide assists. 

“I’m delighted he’s decided to choose Sligo Rovers and we’re looking forward to working with him when we return for pre-season.” 

David Goulden