Sligo Rovers return to league action this Saturday as Galway United visit the Showgrounds for the second time this season for the third Connacht derby of the season, kick-off 7.45pm.

Rovers will vie with their provincial neighbours for league points following last Sunday’s comprehensive three goal defeat of Cobh Wanderers in the FAI Cup. Rovers are in fantastic form, picking up four wins in as many of their previous games in all competitions. 

The Bit O’Red will be without the injured John Mahon and Conor Reynolds who remain some way off a return, while Stephen Mallon serves a ban following his red card in a recent Premier Division match with Bohs at Dalymount Park. JR Wilson will also miss this one. He serves the last of a three game suspension following his dismissal against Derry City. 

Both sides are locked on the same points with Galway sitting one spot above Rovers by virtue of a superior goal difference. Either side is yet to score against the other following two scoreless draws so far this term.

With this in mind, Rovers boss John Russell is expecting another tight tussle between two clubs looking up the table.

“Both games have been really tight between us this year”, he says. “We’ve yet to score against each other and have played out two scoreless draws and we’re right beside each other in the table. We’re in good form at the moment and so are they. They put six past Longford at the weekend in the cup and we have scored at least two goals in our last five games including the Everton game. So it feels like something might give on Saturday in terms of goal. It should be really entertaining and we’re hoping for a big crowd to come out and back us.  

“Galway have strengthened during the window and have brought in real experience so they’ll be looking to push up the ladder. They’ve been a great addition to the Premier Division so far and it’s great to have these Connacht derbies back.

“Again, our recent form means nothing once we kick-off. We’re in good form and that’s the way we want to keep it come 10pm Saturday. We are the home side in a derby and we’ll look to start on the front foot and see where that takes us.”

David Goulden

We look forward to welcoming all supporters to our friendly with Everton FC this Friday 19th July. The game is sold out. If you are attending the game please note the following match-day arrangements which have been agreed in consultation with authorities.

SLIGO ROVERS V EVERTON MATCHDAY NOTICE

1) Car parking for cars at The Showgrounds and Nazareth House will NOT be available on Friday July 19th.

2) Parking for buses only at The Showgrounds

3) Supporters parking available at:

Summerhill College, St Mary’s GAA Club, Wine St. CP, Quay St. CP, Adelaide St CP, Market Yard CP, Cathedral CP, Abbey St CP, Quayside Shopping Centre CP, Holborn St. CP, Connaughton Road CP, The Mall CP, Parkes Yard CP, Glasshouse CP, Rockwood Parade CP.

4) Turnstiles open 2pm, K.O. 4pm. Game sold out, no cash/cards taken.

5) Seating is limited, on a first come basis.

6) Please observe Garda traffic management and be respectful to parking at neighbouring estates. Illegal parking may result in fines or clamping. 

Sligo Rovers travel to Dublin this Friday night to take on Bohemians for the third league meeting of the two sides this season, kick-off at Dalymount Park is 7.45pm.  

Rovers will be without full back John Ross Wilson who serves the first of a three match ban, following his dismissal against Derry City last week. While centre halves John Mahon and Conor Reynolds remain unavailable through injury. 

Winger Simon Power returns to the match day squad having missed that win over Derry due to illness. 

As above, the teams have met twice already this term. 

Goals from Reece Hutchinson and Fabrice Hartmann earned the Bit O’Red a draw in Phibsboro on the opening night of the season. While the Gypsies beat Rovers at the Showgrounds in May. 

Speaking ahead of the tie, Sligo boss John Russell says he wants to build on recent wins over Shamrock Rovers and Derry City, but knows Alan Reynolds’ side will have different plans.

“We picked up two brilliant and well deserved wins over one team defending their title and one team chasing it”, he said.

“We want to keep building on recent performances. We have shown that we can play with the teams at the top of the table and now it’s down to us to show we have the will and ability to go toe-to-toe with a team who are below us. Dalymount is a really tough place to go for anyone in this league, as their supporters always get right behind them and we need to manage that. They have a very deep squad which gives them the ability to change the game at any moment from the bench.

“They’ve let go of a few players but have also brought in a number of new faces so we are going into the unknown somewhat. 

“We must plan without JR, but we knew about that straight after the Derry game and have worked well on our shape and formation all week. We are going to try and continue the momentum from the wins over Shams and Derry and bring it to Dublin.”

David Goulden

Ellis Chapman struck a wonderful 89th minute winner to beat Derry City at the Showgrounds as Sligo Rovers picked up their second win on the spin. 

Paul McMullan’s 54th minute strike had put City in the lead. But a Chapman penalty along with his sublime late winner, turned this tie on its head to stretch Derry’s run without a win in Sligo to six. A winless run that goes back to 2021.  

Ed McGinty pulled off a superb double stop in injury time at the end of this game to secure the full quota of points for the Bit O’Red. 

Rovers finished this game with ten men after JR Wilson was dismissed for an off-the-ball incident in added time at the end of the tie.  

Sligo were forced into one change from their impressive win over Shamrock Rovers at the same venue six nights previous. New signing and former Derry wide man Stephen Mallon was given his debut against his former club in place of the recently departed Fabrice Hartmann who returned to parent club RB Leipzig this week. While Simon Power, who netted both goals in that win over the Hoops, missed the game due to illness. 

City’s record in Sligo has been relatively poor in recent years having taken just two points from a possible 15 in their last five visits to Church Hill. While Ruaidhri Higgins’ side have also failed to score in the last four at the same venue. 

The Derry boss kept faith with the same eleven who put five past Drogheda last week. A decision which looked justified in the early stages as City threatened early on, targeting their flanks in particular whilst pinning Rovers back.  

Daniel Kelly tested McGinty at his front post when the Sligo net minder blocked Kelly’s shot with his legs after the former Dundalk man was played through by a neat flick from Pat Hoban. 

The hosts were boosted this week by the extension of McGinty’s loan from Oxford until the end of the season. The Motherwell native showed his worth on the half hour when he rushed from his line to meet McMullen and smother the Scot’s effort after he was sent through on goal by Adam O’Reilly.

The Foylesiders remained the more menacing of the two sides as the break approached and Hoban was next to threaten when he met Cameron Dummigan’s cross with a well-timed bicycle kick. The finish didn’t match the acrobatics however the overhead kick bounced past McGinty’s post.  

The second half was nine minutes old when the Brandywell outfit took the lead. 

Hoban allowed Kelly’s cross travel all the way across the face of the penalty area where McMullan was given the space to settle himself, before bending the ball beyond McGinty from 15 yards. 

The advantage lasted just eight minutes. Chapman fired Sligo back into the game from the penalty spot after Sadou Diallo had clumsily tripped Will Fitzgerald just inside the City area. 

Chapman popped up again with one minute to go as he supplied a glorious winner. 

The former Cheltenham attacker making the most of space afforded to him after he had slipped past three Derry defenders, before showing superior composure and deft skill as he neatly squeezed the ball between Maher and his far post.  

Rovers had McGinty to thank in added time when he pulled off a magnificent double save, shutting out both Hoban and Colm Whelan.

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; JR Wilson, Nando Pijnaker, Ollie Denham, Reece Hutchinson; Niall Morahan, Connor Malley; Stephen Mallon (Kailin Barlow 66), Ellis Chapman, Will Fitzgerald; Wilson Waweru (Owen Elding 83). 

Derry City: Brian Maher; Cameron Dummigan, Mark Connolly, Shane McEleney, Ben Doherty; Sadou Diallo (Danny Mullen 74), Adam O’Reilly; Paul McMullan (Colm Whelan 84), Daniel Kelly (Michael Duffy 74); Will Patching; Pat Hoban. 

Referee: Damien MacGraith.

Attendance: 2,859.

David Goulden

New signing Stephen Mallon is available for selection for the first time as John Russell’s Sligo Rovers face Derry City at the Showgrounds on Thursday, kick off 7.45pm. 

Supporters are asked to note the change from the traditional game day. 

Winger Mallon, who signed last month, is available to play for the Bit O’Red from July 1st and goes straight into the match day squad. 

Rovers have no fresh injury concerns following last week’s win over champions Shamrock Rovers. 

John Mahon and Conor Reynolds remain sidelined with respective achilles and leg knocks. 

Rovers have a good recent record against the Candystripes in Sligo in recent years and have played out two draws against Ruadhiri Higgins’ team this year so far. 

Rovers are further boosted by the signature on a permanent basis of defender Ollie Denham who signed an 18 month deal following the completion of a loan spell from Cardiff City. 

While goalkeeper Ed McGinty has committed himself to Sligo until the end of the season after his loan deal from Oxford was extended. 

“It’s going to be another tough game against a team chasing league silverware”, manger Russell said. 

“We put on a really impressive show against Shams last week and that performance showed we can play with the best the league has to offer. 

“There were chances at both ends in the first half, but second half we shut them out and took hold of the game thanks to two brilliant Simon Power goals. 

“That game is done now. We move on to Thursday and another team at the top of the table. We have almost a full squad to choose from now and we hope to keep as injury free as possible. 

“With a fully fit squad and everyone available to choose from, we’re a match for anyone. 

“Derry have threats from all sides and we have seen that in recent weeks and in the games we’ve played them in this year.  

“There’s a real feeling of positivity around the club at the moment and we’re looking to draw from that this Thursday.” 

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that Ollie Denham has joined the club on a permanent basis from Cardiff City, subject to international transfer clearance. 

The centre half has signed an 18 month deal at the Showgrounds to extend his stay to the end of 2025, following an extremely impressive start to the season. 

Denham joined Rovers during pre-season for what was initially a six month loan spell from the Welsh side. 

The former Manchester United youth has become a mainstay of the Bit O’Red’s back four, appearing 21 times so far this term. The Englishman has formed a formidable partnership with both Nando Pijnaker and Charlie Wiggett at the heart of the Rovers defence. 

“It’s great to get the deal over the line. I’ve been really happy here in Sligo since day one”, Denham said. 

“I’m looking to kick on now under John Russell and the staff. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it so far. From the minute I came here, I’ve felt comfortable with the players and coaches. It’s been a great six months for me on and off the pitch.

With Denham, Pijnaker, Wiggett and the yet to return John Mahon and Conor Reynolds all set to vie for central defensive positions, there will be plenty of competition for those spots as the season wears on. 

“We have a good squad of players and I think competition is good for everyone because it pushes and pushes you. You can then only improve. Everyone in that position is capable in stepping up when asked. 

“It’s a good standard, this league and it’s really tight. There’s a lot of quality players who’ve been around different leagues, and there’s so many young players who can go as far as they want in football. It’s been a good test and a good challenge for me.

“But I do think we’ve a good squad here and we can push for a European spot. We’re very together and I don’t see why we can’t climb the table.”

Commenting on the addition of Denham on a permanent deal, Rovers boss John Russell said; “I’m delighted Ollie has agreed to sign a permanent contract. He has been a brilliant addition to our team this season. 

“He is a player of immense quality who I know will continue to improve and get better. We want to build a team that can be successful and I think that this signing shows the club’s ambition moving forward.”

David Goulden 

Everton will begin their pre-season fixture schedule with a friendly against League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers ­­– the former club of much-loved Blues captain and one of the Toffees’ greatest-ever servants, Seamus Coleman.

Sean Dyche’s men’s senior team will face the League of Ireland Premier Division side on Friday 19 July (4pm BST) at the Showgrounds in Sligo.

The clash will further strengthen the close bond between Everton and the Bit O’Red which, since January 2021, has included a strategic partnership between the two clubs to work on initiatives together ranging from fan engagement, marketing and joint football camps.

The match will also honour fans’ favourite Coleman, who joined the Blues from Rovers in January 2009 for a famed fee of £60,000. The Killybegs native played over 50 times for Sligo, having made his debut against Derry City in late 2006. The Republic of Ireland captain became a mainstay of the first team under the management of Paul Cook before making the move across the Irish Sea and to Goodison Park in early 2009.

After recently signing a new one-year contract to extend his time at Everton into a 16th season, Coleman has etched his name into the club’s record books following years of top-class service and passion for wearing the royal blue jersey.

He holds the Everton record for most ever Premier League appearances (364), while his 422 matches in all competitions has the defender 13th on the Club’s all-time list, 11 behind another former Rovers player, Dixie Dean and Leon Osman in joint 10th.

Coleman was part of an Everton XI which played at the Showgrounds back in 2010 and he has visited the ground on a few occasions since his move to England.

Speaking ahead of the game, the Donegal native said: “It will be a huge honour for me to return to Sligo Rovers with Everton for our opening pre-season friendly of the summer.

“Sligo is a club I obviously hold close to my heart, with them putting their faith in me as a young player which eventually led to my move to Everton.

“I still have many friends at Sligo and it’s been great to see the close bond between the two clubs strengthen over the years. Going back there after more than 15 special years as an Evertonian will mean a lot to my family and me.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing Sligo fans and Evertonians at The Showgrounds on Friday 19 July.”

Dean is another Everton legend who has strong links to Sligo Rovers. A world-class centre forward and a genuine superstar of his time, Sligo shocked the football world by announcing Dean’s signature in January 1939. He went on to score ten times in eleven games and steered Rovers towards a second place league finish and their first ever FAI Cup final.

The Showgrounds friendly will form part of a training camp for Everton in the Republic of Ireland as they prepare for their Premier League opener against Brighton & Hove Albion at Goodison on Saturday 17 August.

Speaking about the upcoming game, Sligo boss John Russell said; “It’s an honour to have the Everton first team play at the Showgrounds and a game myself, my staff and our players are really excited about. It’s a game that will capture the imagination of the Irish football public and it’s testament to the people who run our football club that a Premier League team like Everton have chosen to visit us in preparation for their upcoming Premier League season.”

Rovers chairperson Tommy Higgins is looking forward to welcoming the Toffees to Sligo.

He said: “Rovers and Everton have enjoyed a shared history going back to Dixie Dean’s time here all the way to Seamie Coleman’s move to England, our strategic partnership and to the upcoming game here at the Showgrounds.

“We are excited to host Sean Dyche and the Everton first team.

“The game will further highlight the link between both clubs today and going into the future. We are looking forward to what will be a great day for Sligo Rovers, welcoming a Premier League club to the Showgrounds.”

Tickets go on sale at the Showgrounds from Tuesday morning at 10am.

Online sales will commence on Wednesday at 10am. Supporters of both Rovers and Everton can access tickets from here. The link will be posted on all social media channels on the day.

There are strictly no ticket sales over the phone.

Ticket pricing:
Adults €20
Concessions (OAPS and students) €15
U-12 €10

Sligo Rovers return to league action this Friday night after the mid-season break. 

Champions Shamrock Rovers are the opposition as the Bit O’Red take to the pitch at the Showgrounds for the first time in almost one month, kick-off 7.45pm. 

This will be the third time the teams have faced one another this season. The sides played out a scoreless draw in Sligo in March, while the Hoops emerged the winners by three goals to nil at Tallaght Stadium the following month. 

Manager John Russell is boosted by the return of both Nando Pijnaker and Simon Power. Pijnaker finds himself back in contention following a rib injury picked up in Inchicore in May. While Power returns to the match day squad following a groin issue which has seen him missing for the last few weeks. 

John Mahon returned to training this week following an achilles injury but remains unavailable for selection. 

Winger Fabrice Hartmann is available for selection but will return to his parent club RB Leipzig after the game. The German’s loan deal is due to expire at the end of this month. Hartmann will depart the Showgrounds having scored eight times in 43 games to date.

Previewing a busy week for Rovers in which Derry are the visitors next Thursday, Russell is hoping for two big performances from his players:

“They have come back refreshed from the break and there is a real hunger and desire amongst everyone to really push on now and make the most of the second half of the season”, he said.  

“We have two big, big home games coming up in the next week against Shamrock Rovers and Derry City and both are at home. We need to make the most of that and we need our supporters in full voice for both games. It’s very important that we play to our strengths on Friday against Shamrock Rovers and really impose ourselves. Shamrock Rovers at home is always a game our players and supporters look forward to and these are the nights everyone wants to be involved in. It will be a tough test but we will make sure we are more than ready for the game. 

“It’s great to have both Nando and Simon back in contention as they are two big players for us. Both had been enjoying really good seasons before their injuries and it was a shame to lose them for so long. I know our supporters are looking forward to seeing them back on the pitch.  

“We’d like to wish Fabrice the best of luck in his future endeavours and thank him for all he’s done for Sligo Rovers. He has treated us to some really magic moments and I hope he gives us something to cheer about on his last game for the club.”

Sligo Rovers travel cross country for the second time in six days this Thursday as the Bit O’Red face Dundalk at Oriel Park, kick-off 7.45pm.

Looking to recover from a disappointing defeat in Waterford last Friday, Rovers will return to the scene where they put five past the Lilywhites without reply in early March. Braces from Max Mata and Ellis Chapman along with a Fabrice Hartmann strike saw Sligo record one of their biggest results on the road in recent times.  

Dundalk then took a point from the Showgrounds in April following a 1-1 draw, Fabrice Hartmann with Rovers’ goal that day.

John Russell’s men go to County Louth without the injured Conor Reynolds, John Mahon, Nando Pijnaker and Simon Power. Although both Pijnaker and Power have returned to light training. 

Stefan Radosavljevic is back in contention having missed the trip to the RSC. Radosavljevic played the majority of Faroe Islands’ Baltic Cup semi-final defeat to Estonia in Tallinn on Saturday and also took part in the friendly defeat to Latvia on Tuesday. 

There is further good news for Russell who has both Daire Patton and Kyle McDonagh to choose from after both players completed their leaving certificate examinations. 

Speaking ahead of the game, Russell said: “We are really keen to pick up a good result in Dundalk, particularly given where both teams are in the table and the fact that we are heading into the summer break after this game. We want to go into the break in a good frame of mind and with a good result behind us at Oriel Park. 

“We have a few players coming back after the mid-season break which is a huge positive for us.It would be great to come back after the break, facing into the Shamrock Rovers game with a few bodies returned and with a good result from Oriel Park in our back pocket.  

“We had an off night in the RSC last week, especially in the second half where we gave away a few poor goals. So this Thursday, in Dundalk is the perfect opportunity to right a few wrongs and get back on track.” 

Sligo Rovers travel to Waterford as one of the Premier Division’s form teams as the Bit O’Red make the long journey to the RSC this Friday for the second time this season, kick off 7.45pm.

Following back-to-back wins over Shelbourne and Drogheda United and having picked up eight points from their last five games, Rovers travel to take on the Blues full of confidence and knowing victory would take them level on points with Keith Long’s side who currently occupy fourth spot.

Rovers will be without a number of players for Friday’s game. Nando Pijnaker, John Mahon and Simon Power are each continuing on their road to recovery. While Stefan Radosavljevic is part of the Faroe Islands squad who take on Estonia in the Baltics Cup semi-final on Saturday in Tallinn and will miss the game.

Conor Reynolds also misses out as he recovers from an injury picked up in that win over Shels while all players taking part in state exams will be unavailable. These include Daire Patton, Kyle McDonagh, David Jonathan and Aiden Gabbidon. 

Rovers have already picked up three points in the south east this year. Ellis Chapman netted the game’s only goal in a win for Sligo down at the RSC in May. While Waterford returned the favour at the Showgrounds in May, Christie Pattison scoring on that occasion. 

Looking ahead to the game, Rovers boss John Russell said: “We picked up two great results over the June Bank Holiday weekend. But those games are done now and although it gives us something to build on, we must focus on a difficult game at the RSC.

“Both sides have already beaten each other in the other club’s home ground so we’re expecting it to be a tight encounter once again as neither team really dominated in either game. 

“We’ll be without a handful of players due to injuries, international call-ups and exams. But that’s the way it goes and you’ve got to be able to deal with these things as they come along. 

“We wish our young players sitting exams the best of luck and we’ll see them back once they are finished.”