Dundalk’s Daryl Horgan scored a controversial late penalty as Sligo Rovers were unfortunate to be beaten at Oriel Park.

The Irish international’s winner arrived in the 83rd minute after Eoin Kenny fell to the floor inside the Rovers area following a less than physical challenge from Will Fitzgerald.

This wasn’t the only questionable refereeing decision on the night as the away side were denied what looked like genuine penalties of our own when both Ollie Denham and James McManus were impeded in front of Enda Minogue’s goal. 

The Lilywhites finished this contest without their full quota of players when Aodh Dervin was shown a straight red for a high challenge on Fitzgerald. 

In a game in which Rovers were well on top for large swathes, McManus fired a powerful effort inches wide of Minogue’s goal early on. While Fitzgerald pulled a stretch from the Dundalk ‘keeper shortly after in a first half that struggled to provide any real goal-scoring chances.

John Russell was forced into an early switch when Ryan O’Kane was stretchered off with a serious arm injury after he fell awkwardly contesting a header. Archie Meekison his replacement. 

The Scot came within inches of the opener four minutes into the second half. The once Bohs attacker cracking a superb, rising effort on to the Louth men’s crossbar following impressive pressure from the visitors. 

Rovers had Minogue spinning around again on 53 when he got his fingers to Gareth McElroy’s header from a Fitzgerald corner, the goalkeeper pushing McElroy’s effort on to his crossbar. 

Sligo were denied what looked like two penalties in this second period when a Dundalk defender awkwardly smashed through McManus just feet inside Minogue’s box. While Denham was pulled down by two defenders as he challenged for a ball swung into the area a few minutes later. 

Referee Oliver Moran then raised the night’s biggest talking point when he pointed to the spot after Kenny threw himself on the ground with Fitzgerald behind him. 

Dundalk: Minogue; JR Wilson, O’Keeffe, Animasahun, Burns; Wilson (Buckley 51), Dervin; McDaid (Mullen 51), Kenny, Horgan; Arub (Groome 62) (Warren 84).

Sligo Rovers: Sergeant; Esua, Denham, McElroy, Fitzgerald; Quirk, McManus; Nolan (Rego Priosti 83), McHugh, O’Kane (Meekison 45+7); Kavanagh (Traore HT).

Referee: Oliver Moran.

Sligo Rovers’ men’s senior team continue our busy St Patrick’s weekend schedule on Monday evening with a trip to County Louth to take on newly promoted Dundalk.

Kick-off at Oriel Park is 7.45pm as the Bit O’Red look to return to winning ways following defeat to Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds on Friday evening. 

This will be the first Premier Division meeting between the sides since September 2024, but Rovers did meet the Lilywhites in the FAI Cup at Oriel Park last year. Goals from James McManus and Jake Doyle-Hayes saw John Russell’s side progress on that occasion.

Ciaran Kilduff’s charges have been impressive since their promotion following their First Division title success last year. 

Beaten just once in their opening five games, Dundalk have already taken points from Galway, Drogheda and champions Shamrock Rovers. While they put five past Waterford on Friday evening.

In team news and as of Sunday morning, Rovers go north east without Jad Hakiki, Conor Reynolds, Shane Blaney and Sean Stewart who are injured. Daire Patton is expected to miss out with illness although Carl McHugh returns following a suspension. 

Previewing the match, Rovers boss Russell sees this game as an opportunity for Rovers to get points on the board ahead of the visit of Shelbourne to Sligo on Saturday.

“It’s a big game for both sides, no doubt”, he tells sligorovers.com. 

“Dundalk have had a super start to the season and are playing very well at the moment. We have to give them a lot of respect for that. They have signed very well and have a good mix of youth and League of Ireland experience. 

“We’re looking to flesh out and improve on our performance against Shamrock Rovers. We were well in the game for most of the first half and dealt with them. 

“But conceding twice late on in that half was a real kick in the teeth. Second half, we had the majority of the play and I think had the surface been a bit kinder to us, we would have had a much better chance of coming back into it.

“We’re not big fans of astro pitches but I believe their new one is a big improvement on the old one and I know the firm surface will suit our type of play if we try and move the ball with pace.

“It’s a quick turnaround but we’re slowly getting players back. Ollie (Denham) played the last few minutes on Friday and we have Carl McHugh back so that’s two very experienced lads back in the squad which is a boost.” 

David Goulden

Match sponsor: Sleator Solutions.

Match ball sponsor: Sligo Branch of the Liverpool Supporters Club. 

David Goulden at the Showgrounds 

Shamrock Rovers picked up a first win over Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds since June 2023 as the Hoops kept pace with early leaders St Pat’s and Bohs at the summit of the Premier Division table.  

Strikes from Matt Healy and Danny Grant, late in the second half, decided this contest which the Hoops ended with ten men after skipper Roberto Lopes was dismissed on 66 minutes having picked up a second booking.  

Rovers did have the majority of the play in the second period, but were unable to breach the Dubliners’ defence as they fell to their fourth defeat in their opening six games. 

Bit O’Red boss John Russell stuck with the side who picked up their first win of the season against Drogheda United last week, as they looked to pick up consecutive wins for the first time since last September. 

In search of first victory on the banks of the Garavogue in five attempts, a run going back almost three years, Stephen Bradley made just the single change from the Tallaght men’s draw against Shelbourne at Tolka Park earlier in the week. Ex-Sligo midfielder Connor Malley, who played just short of 50 times for the Bit O’Red over a year and a half before moving east, was dropped in favour of the influential Jack Byrne. 

The league and cup holders have looked rusty at times in their opening games, but Sligo were reminded of their ability to devastate within seconds of the first whistle. 

A Grant effort after just 23 seconds drifted past Sam Sargeant’s far post, while Aaron Greene’s attempted lob from distance was well handled by Sargeant after Sligo’s James McManus ran into bother on the ball in the middle of the field. 

Sligo did look able to deal with all the Hoops were throwing at them although all the play was with the visitors. 

Grant was again involved on 21 minutes when Dylan Watts delivered a superbly weighted ball into the path of the former Bohs man who tried to clip a finish past Sargeant. While Grant left the next opportunity behind him 90 seconds later when he volleyed over on the half volley from 6 yards out with only Sargeant to beat. 

Shamrock Rovers’ press paid dividends late in the opening half. 

Sligo were unable to clear the danger as possession landed to John McGovern who laid the ball on to Healy who rifled the ball to the bottom corner for his first goal of the year. 

The FAI Cup holders stamped their authority on this tie in added time at the end of the half. Stationed at his front post, Sligo’s scouse midfielder Seb Quirk cleared Byrne’s corner only as far as Grant who floated a wonderful, first-time cushioned finish inside the post. 

Defender Lee Grace almost gifted Sligo a way back into the game early in the second half when he sent a stray pass straight to Kavanagh on his own end line. But Ed McGinty was able to tidy up as he fell at the feet of the once St Pat’s striker. 

Greene went close to further punishing his old employers when he flashed a shot across goal from a tight angle, after Sargeant had palmed away a McGovern shot from close range. 

Shams were reduced to ten on 66 minutes when Lopes was shown a second yellow for an awkward challenge on Ryan O’Kane as he charged at the Hoops defence. 

Sligo dominated from here and went close to halving the deficit 15 from time when Jeannot Esua nodded an O’Kane cross past McGinty’s back post. 

The hosts continued to have a go with late chances for Kavanagh and substitute Mai Traore.   

Next up for Rovers is a visit to Oriel Park on Monday night to face Dundalk, kick-off there is 7.45pm.

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Jeannot Esua, Sean McHale (Ollie Denham 95), Gareth McElroy, Will Fitzgerald; James McManus (Mai Traore 72), Seb Quirk; Alex Nolan, Daire Patton (Ciaron Harkin HT), Ryan O’Kane; Cian Kavanagh.

Shamrock Rovers: Ed McGinty; Roberto Lopes, Lee Grace, Cory O’Sullivan; Mise Sobowale, Danny Grant (Adam Brennan 78); Matt Healy, Dylan Watts (John O’Sullivan 83), Jack Byrne (Victor Ozhianvuna 64); Aaron Greene (Michael Noonan 63); John McGovern (Adam Matthews 78).

Referee: Rob Harvey 

Attendance: 3,065. 

Shamrock Rovers provide the opposition this Friday evening as Sligo Rovers’ men’s senior side look to build on last week’s win over Drogheda United. 

Kick-off at the Showgrounds is 8pm and this game will be televised live by Virgin Media Television. Friday’s match is sponsored by Sleater Solutions and the match ball sponsor is the Sligo Branch of the Liverpool Supporters Club. 

The first of two games in the space of four days, Rovers will welcome the Hoops on the back of our first win of the year over Drogs on Saturday last. While the Dublin Rovers will arrive in the north west on the back of a statement win over title rivals Derry City last week and a draw away to Shelbourne on Monday night. 

Sligo have the better of the recent form between the clubs with John Russell’s side recording two wins over the Tallaght men in 2025. Shamrock Rovers recorded a win over the Bit O’Red in May, while the sides played out a four goal draw in Sligo last July. Shams currently occupy third spot, five off leaders Bohs and are four visits to the Showgrounds without a win ahead of Friday’s contest. 

In team news and as of Thursday morning, Rovers will again be without defenders Conor Reynolds, Shane Blaney and Sean Stewart due to injuries. Jad Hakiki also continues his rehab and is unavailable, while fellow midfielder Carl McHugh serves the second of a two match ban following his red card against Galway. He is due to return for the Dundalk game in Louth on Monday.  

Centre half Ollie Denham returned to full training this week and is expected to be fit to take part on Friday. 

Boosted by the win over Drogheda, Rovers boss John Russell is equally as aware of the threat last year’s double winners pose. He’s hoping to make Friday another special night under the Showgrounds lights.

“We were happy with how things went last weekend, but now focus is wholly on Shamrock Rovers.

“We showed particularly in the first half, against Drogheda how we can play. We created plenty and were relentless. To be fair, Sam (Sargeant) didn’t have a huge amount to do even after they scored and that was testament to our versatility and how well the likes of Will Fitzgerald and Seb Quirk did when they were asked to fill in at the back. 

“It was really an overall performance that was reflective of us and what we’re about as a team.

“We now have a Shams team coming to Sligo who are justifiably title favourites and are brimming with talent. It’s been the case now for a few years, but their biggest strength is their depth. 

“Against Shels they brought in Graham Burke, Michael Noonan and Jack Byrne from their bench. Then Victor Ozhianvuna and Adam Brennan come on, two of the best young talents in the country. No other club has that depth, so that illustrates what we’re up against.

“But our form against them has been decent recently and we’ll back ourselves again. I think as the weeks go and we continue to work together and the pitches improve, we’ll get even better. So there’s plenty for us to look forward to over the next few days.” 

David Goulden 

Match sponsor: Paul Gallagher

Match ball sponsor: IPM Draper Financial Brokers (Adrian McHale). 

David Goulden at the Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers claimed a much needed first win of the season and in doing so moved off the foot of the Premier Division table as they saw off Drogheda United at the Showgrounds.

Goals from Will Fitzgerald and Alex Nolan either side of the interval had an pulsating Bit O’Red ahead by two before the hour.

Drogs’ Mark Doyle halved the lead on 61 minutes from the spot but Rovers kept the Louthmen scoreless for the remainder.

Victory pushes Rovers above Waterford while United’s search for a win at the Showgrounds is stretched to ten games. 

Rovers boss John Russell made four changes to his side that were beaten by Galway the week previous. 

Nolan, Cian Kavanagh and Daire Patton were all re-introduced to the Rovers starting eleven, replacing Mai Traore, Archie Meekison and the injured Sean Stewart, each of whom started last week’s defeat in the Connacht derby. 

While defender Sean McHale was named for his Rovers debut in place of the suspended Carl McHugh following a loan move from St Pat’s. Incidentally, McHale’s last game was against his new club in an FAI Cup tie for Dundalk last July in which he suffered a serious ankle injury. 

Without manager Kevin Doherty due to a suspension and any travelling support due to the recent incident at Oriel Park, United made three changes from their defeat at home to Shels. Seeking a first win at the Showgrounds since June 2021, Doherty named Leo Burney, Fuhad Kareem and skipper Ryan Brennan in his starting side in place of Shane Farrell, Thomas Oluwa and James Bolger. 

Disappointing in terms of the number of chances created in their outings to date, this first half saw a huge improvement from the hosts in this category. 

Drogs net minder Luke Dennison had to push an early close-range bullet from Patton onto his post with little more than two minutes gone. While there were further efforts from Seb Quirk and Nolan who each fizzed shots across the United goal.

Ryan O’Kane was a particularly busy customer on the Rovers left and he was involved on 18 minutes although it was his over-hit cross that sailed all the way to Esua who volleyed into Dennison’s side netting. 

Rovers maintained their tempo and striker Kavanagh struck the post with a header from an Esua cross four minutes from the break.

Sligo’s endeavour finally paid off in added time at the end of the first half. Again O’Kane was involved as the Drogheda rearguard made a mess of the ex-Shels winger’s corner. The ball landing to Sligo skipper Fitzgerald who was left with a simple finish from six yards out for his first goal since August 2024.

Searching for that first win under Benbulben in ten attempts, the Louth side fell further behind on 57 minutes.

Ethan O’Brien’s awkward challenge on Patton resulted in a set-piece at the edge of the visitor’s area. Nolan was let down by his initial effort, however he had the Showgrounds in raptures when he caught the rebound, firing the ball into the corner of Dennison’s goal for his first goal in red. 

This two goal lead lasted barely five minutes however. Only moments on the field, Sligo substitute Ciaron Harkin was penalised for blocking the ball with his arm inside his own penalty area. Doyle converting the resulting penalty, squeezing the effort between the post and the outstretched arm of Sam Sargeant. 

Kavanagh came close to settling the late tension when he did all the hard work, but flashed his shot beyond the far post, having done well to cut inside. 

Rovers will look to continue this form next Friday night when champions Shamrock Rovers visit the Showgrounds in front of the Virgin Media cameras. Kick-off is 8pm.

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Jeannot Esua, Gareth McElroy, Sean McHale (Ciaron Harkin 57), Will Fitzgerald; James McManus, Seb Quirk; Ryan O’Kane, Alex Nolan; Daire Patton (Mai Traore 69); Cian Kavanagh.  

Drogheda United: Luke Dennison; Andrew Quinn, Leo Burney, Conor Keeley; Edwin Agbaje (Jason Bucknor 56), Conor Kane; Ethan O’Brien (Shane Farrell 76), Brandon Kavangh, Ryan Brennan (Jago Godden 56); Fuhad Kareem (Thomas Oluwa HT), Mark Doyle. 

Referee: Oliver Moran. 

Attendance: 2,548.

Sligo Rovers are back at home this Saturday evening as the Bit O’Red go in search of a first win of the season, against Drogheda United. 

Kick-off at the Showgrounds is 7.45pm and match sponsor this weekend is Paul Gallagher. 

The game will be Rovers’ senior men’s fifth outing of the season, following last week’s defeat to Galway at Eamonn Deacy Park. John Russell’s men currently sit tenth in the Premier Division table, six points off this weekend’s opponents who have two wins from their opening four. 

Sligo’s recent record against Drogs has been patchy, with no win over the Boynesiders in the last five attempts. Although Rovers’ home record against the 2024 FAI Cup winners has been solid, being unbeaten against Kevin Doherty’s team at the Showgrounds in nine games. 

Rovers will be without a number of players for this tie. 

As of Friday morning, Shane Blaney, Conor Reynolds, Jad Hakiki and Sean Stewart look set to miss out with injuries. 

Centre half Ollie Denham will face a fitness assessment pre-match. While Carl McHugh serves the first of a two game ban following his late red card against Galway. The Donegal man misses this weekend and next week’s visit of Shamrock Rovers to Sligo. 

“We have to step up on Saturday”, manager Russell tells sligorovers.com previewing Saturday’s clash.

“We were disappointed with last week’s result particularly as we did ourselves no justice given the standards we set ourselves.

“We were nowhere near satisfied with how we’ve started and the results we’ve seen. But the good thing is that we are very much in control of our own destiny and we will decide how we react to the defeat in Galway. We have a lot of faith in this group of players. 

“We’re only four games in and we’ve plenty of time to improve and kick-on, but we need to show improvement this weekend. Everyone involved knows that.”

Saturday’s game will take place in novel circumstances given that no away tickets have been sold due to action taken against Drogheda by the league following events at Oriel Park a few weeks ago.

“I don’t think it’ll affect them too much”, Russell continues. 

“They’re very well drilled and will all know their jobs regardless. They’re disciplined, well organised and will cause a lot of hassle for teams again this year. 

“But we’re looking forward to showing what we can do. There was a lot of hurt after last week and we can use that as fuel to fire us on.”

Match sponsor: Paul Gallagher

Match ball sponsor: IPM Draper Financial Brokers (Adrian McHale). 

David Goulden 

Sligo Rovers came out second best in the first Connacht derby of the season as Galway United overcame the Bit O’Red by a narrow margin at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Former Rovers man Jimmy Keohane netted this tie’s only goal, the one hundredth such meeting between the clubs on a cold night in the mid-west.

The visitors finished the game with ten men after stand-in centre half Carl McHugh was sent off for a late challenge late on. 

Sligo goalkeeper Sam Sargeant pulled off an early save from a nonchalant effort from David Hurley, before United struck for the game’s only goal.

Aaron Bolger making the most of some loose defending from Rovers before the ball finally fell to Keohane who lashed home from just inside the area. 

Ed McCarthy blazed over a wonderful chance from close range to double Galway’s lead before half-time.

Rovers began the second period the better of the sides, with Ryan O’Kane testing Evan Watts in the United goal straight after the re-starting whistle. Striker Mai Traore nodding over on the rebound. 

O’Kane caused problems down Galway’s right side during the second period and he pulled another save out of Watts on the hour.

Gareth McElroy saw a late header whipped off the Tribesmen’s goal-line in the second minute of added time, leaving Rovers to ponderwhat was our third defeat of the season.

Rovers return home this coming Saturday, March 7th. Drogheda United are the visitors to the Showgrounds. Kick-off 7.45pm. 

Galway United: Watts; Devitt, Parker (Williams 90), Brouder, Facchineri; Bolger (Wolfe 77), Barratt, McCarthy (Twardek 61), Keohane; Hurley (Piesold 90), Walsh.

Sligo Rovers: Sargeant; Stewart (Nolan 59), Esua, McElroy, McHugh; Quirk, McManus (Kavanagh 80), Fitzgerald, O’Kane; Meekison (Hakiki 46) (Patton 70), Traoré.

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

Sligo Rovers’ men’s senior team make the relatively short trip south to Galway this Friday as the one hundredth Connacht Derby takes place at Eamonn Deacy Park, kick-off 7.45pm.

This will be the Bit O’Red’s fourth game of the season as John Russell’s men go in search of a fourth straight win over Galway United, who have won one and drawn one of their first two games.

A win for Rovers by Corribside could potentially see us climb the table after defeats to Derry City and Bohemians in the opening weeks. While last week’s draw away to Waterford saw Sligo take a well deserved point from a long trip to the RSC.

Games involving Galway this year have been close with Drogheda coming away with a narrow one goal win on the first day of the season. United saw their clash with St Patrick’s Athletic rained off the following week, days before John Caulfield’s side took an impressive draw from the home of the 2024 champions, Shelbourne. 

In team news, and as per Thursday morning, Rovers will be without Shane Blaney who picked up a hamstring injury in that game in the south east. 

Cian Kavanagh, who headed the winner on our last visit to EDP in September 2025 returns following a short illness. While new signings Sean McHale and James McManus will be available. A few players will undergo late fitness tests to determine their ability to take part. 

“It’s going to be a huge Connacht derby and given the time of year we’re at, it’ll be under the lights and in front of what I expect will be a big crowd and a big atmosphere”, Russell tells sligorovers.com, previewing the game.

“I was pleased with the result in Waterford last week and it was an ideal and much improved reaction from the defeat to Bohs the week before. We were a lot more solid, first to second balls and defended our box really well. We asked for a reaction and we got it.

“We now go to Galway and it’s a massive game for both sides.

“They’ve added a lot of bodies in the winter. Some we know, some we don’t. So in that way, they’re somewhat of an unknown but I’m happy that we’ve analysed them well. 

“They’ve got a very experienced manager in John. 

“He knows how to get results from his players. He’s a cup and league winner and we know the way he likes his teams to play. They can smother you if you let them so we have to be ready. They’ll be looking to play off a big home crowd and we may have to quieten things down early on. 

“But we’re going there to get a result as we do every game. We had to shuffle things around a bit last week and we’re hopeful we’ll have as many bodies available as possible. 

“We know there’s a big Rovers crowd coming down to pack out the away end once more and the players are really looking forward to getting going on Friday night.”

David Goulden

New Sligo Rovers loanee Sean McHale says he isn’t here to just make up the numbers after the Meath native was confirmed as Bit O’Red player on Sunday afternoon.

The 20-year-old Dunboyne native sealed a deal which has been a while in the making, after the centre-half moved on loan from St Patrick’s Athletic until the end of the current season.

McHale, an Irish underage international, arrives at the Showgrounds seeking top flight experience after two years on loan in the First Division.

He’ll be playing under new manager John Russell, a long time fan of the former Shelbourne, Wexford and Dundalk player who is also a talented gaelic footballer. 

“I’ve met with John a few times and we’ve had some great conversations. I’m delighted to be here now and am ready to get playing”, Sean tells sligorovers.com.

“I’ve been on loan the last two seasons so when Rovers came in for me, I thought this is the ideal place to go, to develop and play. It’s important to choose which club you go to so Sligo for me, was the ideal place to go.

“I spoke to a few lads who were here over the last few years and they told me enough good things about Rovers and Sligo and that was all I needed. I’m moving to Sligo now and it’s a new experience for me and I can’t wait to get going with it.” 

A serious ankle injury curtailed Sean’s time at Dundalk last season in an FAI Cup game against Rovers at Oriel Park last July. Two months later, McHale underwent surgery on several ruptured ligaments but is now excited about getting back on the pitch under the tutelage of Russell. 

“John has a proven track record of bringing players through, especially young ones”, he continues. 

“He gives them game time and trusts them and that makes it a really attractive proposition for me. You cannot beat gaining first team experience. It’s invaluable. 

“I’m here to get game time but also get results for Sligo Rovers. We need to aim for European football at the end of the year and we’re good enough to do that. 

“In the First Division, it feels like there’s a lot of defending to do in games so as a centre back it was great for me. It was all about gaining experience and going through different types of experiences in games. Even with the injury, I learned a lot in terms of what I need to do to be a professional football player.” 

Rovers had aimed to bring McHale in on a full-time basis over the past number of months, but an agreement could not be reached with his parent club. However, Russell is happy to get his man as he prepares for the one hundredth edition of the Connacht derby against Galway, this coming Friday.

“He’s been on my radar for a while”, Russell reveals. 

“We tried to get Sean in permanently over the winter but we couldn’t get a deal done unfortunately. 

“We’ve had an injury at centre half so the move to get Sean in was accelerated slightly by that. 

“He’s a big boy, a natural defender with a left foot and I feel he’s one of the best young defenders in the country. I saw a lot of him when he was at Wexford and Dundalk before he got injured and he’s got huge potential. We’re glad that he’ll hopefully realise that potential here at the Showgrounds.”  

David Goulden

Having played a key role in Sligo Rovers’ mid-season renaissance in 2025, midfielder James McManus is keen to make his mark once again for the Bit O’Red this season.

The energetic box-to-box midfielder has returned to the Showgrounds on loan from Bohemians until the end of this season and is aiming to play his part in this Friday’s Connacht derby with Galway United.

The Republic of Ireland underage international featured 15 times for Rovers last season, scoring in an FAI Cup game against Dundalk at Oriel Park. The St Kevin’s Boys graduate was a key figure in our rise from the foot of the table to guaranteeing Premier Division safety on the final day of the season at Tallaght Stadium.  

Learning from and lining out under Rovers manager John Russell has made its mark on the young Dubliner, who turns 21 in March. He says Russell’s input into his development to date was a major swaying factor in his choice to return to the north west.  

“It was a very simple decision for me to make, being honest”, James tells sligorovers.com. 

“It feels like John is a massive influence on every player who comes here. He’s proven time and time again that he can get the best out of young players. 

“I’ve never enjoyed my football as much as playing under him last year. He gives players such freedom to express themselves and this played such a big part in coming back here. 

“I loved my time playing for Rovers last year and once I knew John was interested in bringing me back, the decision really made itself.”

McManus’ signature was confirmed just hours before the January deadline on Sunday evening. He feels he has an advantage now given that he will be more than familiar with his surroundings and team-mates having spent those four months at the Showgrounds last term.  

“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead. It’s a huge opportunity for me. I think I showed the Rovers fans what I could do last year but maybe in glimpses. I want to kick-on on now and make a big impact back here. 

“I built some really great relationships here last year so settling in again won’t be an issue. Players like Jad (Hakiki) and Ryan (O’Kane) are such gifted, technical footballers and they’re the sort of lads you want to be playing around. It’s very exciting to link up with them again.

“The new players are very impressive too as John has signed lads who have experience of playing in the league already. That’s something that I think is vital.  Archie (Meekison) is here now too and I would have played plenty with him at Bohs. He’s a really explosive player who will only improve further under John. 

“We now have to aim high and set the standards from early on. We went on a great run from the middle of the season last year and it ended up making a huge difference in the end. 

“We have to look forward now but take each game as it comes. The league was so competitive last season and will be more-so this year. I’m very proud to be part of it all again this year!” 

Welcoming McManus back to the fold, Russell tells sligorovers.com that he feels as if James’ addition is a natural choice. 

“I think our supporters won’t need me to explain in too great detail why I brought James back. 

“Anyone who saw him play for us last season will see how intelligent he is and how he can dictate play. He can do a bit of everything which is a dream for any manager. I’ve been a massive fan of him for a few years and it’s a delight to have him here again in our colours. 

“I feel he gives us something that we’ve been missing in our first three games and I know from speaking to him the last few weeks how keen he was to come back here and continue the work he started last summer. 

“He’s gone straight back into training and it’s like he’s never left. We’re excited to see how he can do this year, starting with the derby on Friday, we hope.” 

David Goulden