John Russell has added experience to his Sligo Rovers first team squad ahead of the 2026 season with the signing of midfielder Carl McHugh, the club are delighted to announce. 

The 32-year-old Donegal man is Russell’s second new addition ahead of next season, agreeing a two year deal with the Bit O’Red effective from 1st January next, having pressed ink to a pre-contract this week. 

A native of Lettermacaward on the Donegal coast, McHugh began his career with Reading before joining Bradford City in 2012 following a short stint on loan at Dundalk where he played against Rovers at Oriel Park in a 1-1 draw in August 2011. 

At Bradford, he achieved promotion from League 2 in 2013 and helped the Bantams to a famous League Cup final appearance that year with McHugh scoring past fellow county-man and Irish centurion Shay Given in an epic semi-final win over Aston Villa. 

He would go on to feature for Plymouth and spent three years as a familiar face at Motherwell before making the move to Asia and to the Indian Super League, winning that competition twice along with success in the Indian Super Cup before departing FC Goa during the summer after a second placed ISL finish. The former Dungloe Town star has also featured for and captained the Republic of Ireland at underage level from 15s to 21s.

Comfortable in defensive positions as well as in the middle, McHugh told sligorovers.com he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to ply his trade at the Showgrounds and closer to home.  

“John reached out to me a while back about making a move back to Ireland and we’ve stayed in touch since”, he says. 

“I kept a close eye on Rovers and the league in general and it’s clear it’s a very well run club. Last year, they really played some very nice football with some really talented young players. After speaking to John, working with him was a big part of signing too. 

“He’s done a great job the last few years and I know how highly regarded he is within Irish football. He’s so passionate about this club and how we can all improve things. I think I’ll learn a lot from him. 

“I watched a lot of Rovers, especially the second half of last season. The team went on a great run and it’s clear to see how much talent is within it. Knowing that there’s a strong core already here, it gives me a lot of optimism. Hopefully I can add to that.

“I just felt like it was a really exciting time to join here and it comes at a great time in my career. Moving back closer to home and my friends and family is part of the move and I’m really excited.”

Even in his early 30s, McHugh is likely to be one of the more senior players at Rovers and in what is a League of Ireland with a much younger profile than his last stint here. He’s looking to lend that experience to his fellow squad members over the next few years.

“I’ve had lots of different types of experiences in my life and on the pitch”, he continues. 

“I hope I can bring that on to my time in Sligo. As I said, we have a very talented, young squad and I’ll be looking to help them as much as I can both on and off the pitch. I’m a player who is committed and competitive. I think I have a good understanding of the game and I look to offer balance to a team.” 

2026 will be Carl’s first year in fifteen that he’s featured in the Irish domestic game and he’s already enthused by the prospect of being part of the Bit O’Red’s story in our 98th year. 

“I’ve always followed the league. A lot seems to have changed since the time I was at Dundalk and certainly for the better. It has grown so much in terms of professionalism and stability within the league. From an outside looking in, the standard has improved so much and it’s very competitive. It’s become a great platform for younger lads to play first team football and excel. It’s critical for Irish football that the league continues to grow and I’m excited to be part of it now.

“I can’t wait to get back to training and getting sharp. When you sign for a club, you want to help it kick on. If you can find consistency, there are huge opportunities for you here. I want to play in Europe, which is something I’ve never done. I want to achieve that at the Showgrounds and of course win a trophy or two. That would be amazing.” 

Manager Russell says that McHugh’s time spent watching Rovers in 2025 and his familiarity with the team can only be beneficial as Rovers head towards the beginning of pre-season in a few weeks time.  

“I know from our conversations, Carl is excited about the challenge ahead. He’s watched a lot of our games so I feel his transition into our team will be seamless”, Russell says.

“Carl is someone who has played at a really high level throughout his career so I’m delighted to bring him to the club. 

“I felt it was important to bring in an experienced midfielder who could dictate the play while also giving us that balance and defensive quality in our team.”

McHugh joins thirteen of his new team-mates as those contracted to Sligo Rovers for 2026. These are Ollie Denham, Sam Sargeant, Paddy McClean, Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds, Sean Stewart, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh, Archie Meekison, Will Fitzgerald, Seb Quirk, Kyle McDonagh and Jad Hakiki. 

David Goulden