Sligo Rovers’ penultimate home game of 2026 takes place this Saturday as the Bit O’Red look to finish off what has been a tough season, on a positive note.
Dundalk are the visitors this weekend, kick-off 7.45pm with the Lilywhites coming to the Showgrounds looking to confirm their place in next year’s top flight.
Saturday’s match night sponsor is Mooney’s Bar, Maugheraboy while match ball sponsor is The Fish Man, care of Martin McHugh.
This game is Rovers’ first since relegation was confirmed last week following defeat to Shelbourne at Tolka Park.
However, the re-build and preparation for 2027 has already begun with the news on Thursday evening that goalkeeper Liam Hughes has committed his future to the club, signing a fresh one-year deal.
“He’s impressed me since he even got in the team”, Rovers boss Darren Purse tells sligorovers.com.
“He hadn’t played for four or five months and he’s someone who will get better as he gets more time.
“He’s proven that he’s worthy of a new contract and he’ll fight it out with another goalkeeper next year for the shirt. How he does in the next three games, could put him in a really good position for next season.”
Reflecting on the disappointment of relegation, Purse is hopeful has challenged his players to complete the current campaign on an upward trajectory with games against Shamrock Rovers and Derry yet to come.
“It hit me hard and I hope it hit the players hard too”, he admits.
“It’s not really something you want on your CV, relegation and it’s one you have to take on the chin because we haven’t been good enough across the whole season.
“The players now have their careers to play for in these last few games. The biggest motivation I can give them is, every time they put themselves across the white line, you’ve got to prove you’re good enough to play at the level you’re expected to play. Every time you take to the pitch, you’re there to be shot at and criticise you or praise you.
“The question is now, can we go and get a bit of praise and try and finish the season on a high?”
Ciaran Kilduff’s Dundalk have only won once since June in the league, but will roll up at the Showgrounds knowing three points will be enough for them to avoid the relegation play-off.
Previewing the tie, Purse says there is still incentive there despite our fate already being decided.
“They’ve done well to come up and find themselves in the position they’re in. They’ve a decent squad and a lot of experience but they’re not having a good run at the moment. For us, our motivation is can we go and put one over on them and get that win we’re desperate for?”
Rovers will be without captain Carl McHugh who limped out of the Shels game with a knee injury. While Seb Quirk and Daire Patton, both who were used subs in Dublin are pushing for starts.
Purse also revealed that he is still holding talks with some players from the current squad about next season.
“There are conversations ongoing”. he concluded.
“I don’t think there’ll be many new signings between now and the end of the season.
“There are one or two that are here who I would like to keep but obviously that’s a decision that gets made between now and two or three weeks time.
“Players will have options, but for me it’s about trying to keep our best players here and bring in the best we can. It’s a fine balancing act but we’re looking forward to a fresh start.”
David Goulden