Sligo Rovers held a Special General Meeting (SGM) at the Clayton Hotel this evening, where well in excess of 200 members voted on a proposal to restructure the club.
Members voted near-unanimously in favour of the proposed restructuring.
A second SGM will take place on 14 October, when members will be asked to confirm approval of the proposal.
The club thanks all members who attended and participated in this important process.
Annual Draw raises €152,330 for Sligo Rovers
Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that our 2026 Annual Draw has raised an incredible €152,330, with all funds raised going directly towards running the club.
The draw took place at half-time during our match against St Patrick’s Athletic at the Showgrounds. Congratulations to Laura McManus from Leitrim Village, who won the top prize of €5,000, and to all our prize winners listed below.
A special thank you goes to our dedicated volunteers, who spent the summer travelling throughout the North West, knocking on doors and selling tickets. The time and effort they put into the Annual Draw is invaluable, and this total would not have been possible without their commitment.
We would also like to thank everyone who purchased a ticket. Your support makes a real difference to the day-to-day running of Sligo Rovers, and this response once again reflects the generosity of our supporters and the wider community.
2026 Annual Draw winners
Thank you to our prize sponsors and to everyone who helped make this year’s Annual Draw such a success.
The need for change
According to Tommy Higgins, club chairman, ‘Sligo Rovers status as a community club is a valued element of our history and tradition. The club has survived some very difficult times due to the relentless commitment of our dedicated volunteers. These people contribute enormously to the funding and operation of our club.
The League of Ireland is now a different place. Clubs have adopted new commercial models and are benefiting from significant external investment. Success in the League of Ireland leads to European competition and the substantial financial benefits that brings. The gap is widening every year.
I think our ambition as a proud club must not be limited to survival, every supporter wants to see their beloved Rovers compete, thrive and prosper.
The model we have has served this club well for almost a hundred years. But the football environment we find ourselves in has changed around us. The Society must ensure that its structures are fit for the challenges Sligo Rovers faces, and can attract the resources we need to compete at the highest levels.
Thankfully, when we are looking at potential structure and funding models, it is not an ‘either/or’ scenario. It is not a binary choice between a rigid membership structure and an openly commercial arrangement.
Since our last AGM in April we have been researching the legal, financial and administrative issues to increase funding for the Club. We are heartened and encouraged to discover that viable funding and investment opportunities do not have to undermine the role and benefits of member ownership. The members can remain in control, and can determine the opportunities to be taken.’
The Sligo Rovers restructuring proposals
It is envisaged that the Sligo Football and Sport Development Society – Sligo Rovers – will establish a new company to manage the football operations of the Club, including the men’s and women’s senior teams and the Academy.
The Society will own 100% of the shares in the new company and will appoint its directors. The Society itself will continue to hold the lease on Sligo Showgrounds, which runs until June 2064, and will remain responsible for operating the physical facilities at the grounds and for delivering the new stadium.
Showgrounds secure
It is important to note that the legal status of the Showgrounds is not affected in any way by this proposal, the Society is the tenant under the lease with the Trustees of Sligo Showgrounds until June 2064, this will not change, The Trustees are fully supportive of the proposed restructuring.
Additionally, the development plan for the new stadium is fully funded and external funding is not required. The €16.4 million Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund grant awarded to the Society, and the €6 million in Immigrant Investor Programme funding for facilities at the new stadium, are unaffected by the proposals.
New era
Tommy concluded ‘We are embarking on a process that is open and transparent. Our members will make a fully informed decision based on our engagement with them
The Club is at a pivotal juncture, the next few weeks are critical.
This is about modernising how the club is run and securing what we hold for the generations coming after us.
We urge all the members of our Society to participate in these vital decisions on the future of the club.’
What happens next
As a member owned co-operative, the decision on the restructuring rests entirely with the Society’s shareholders, who will consider the proposals at upcoming special general meetings.
The Society has written to shareholders to inform them that proposals for the modernisation of the Society’s structure will be brought before general meetings in September and October.
In the coming days the Society will also write to long-term contributors to the Friends of Sligo Rovers 500 Club who may be entitled under the Society’s Rules to apply for membership. These important supporters of the club will be invited to complete applications so that they can attend and vote at the general meetings.
Formal notice of the general meetings will be issued by post to members in early September. The frequently asked questions below set out the proposals in more detail. Questions may be directed to the Membership Team by email at membership@sligorovers.com, or by telephone on 071 9171212, selecting option 8, which allows the caller to leave a message.
The Society & the Club
Who owns Sligo Rovers?
Sligo Rovers is owned and operated by the Sligo Football and Sport Development Society, a community-based, member-owned co-operative governed by the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts. The Society oversees the club’s men’s and women’s senior teams and Academy, develops sporting and recreational facilities, and delivers community football responsibility programmes for all ages, including Easter and summer camps for children.
Who owns Sligo Showgrounds?
The 12 acre Sligo Showgrounds is held in trust forever for the benefit of the public, particularly the people of County Sligo. The Trustees lease the grounds to the Society and the current lease runs until June 2064. The restructuring proposal will not affect this lease.
What is Being Proposed
Is Sligo Rovers being sold?
No the club is not being sold. The changes proposed will modernise our club, strengthen our football and property management operations, improve on-field performance and create new commercial opportunities to grow and sustain Sligo Rovers into the future.
What changes are proposed?
It is proposed that the Society establish a new company to manage and operate Sligo Rovers’ football activities, with the aim of competing at the highest possible level in Ireland and Europe. The Society will own 100 per cent of the new company and appoint its directors.
What stays with the Society?
The Society will continue to manage the Showgrounds, including its community and football social responsibility activities. It will also oversee the development of the new stadium and manage its facilities once completed. The new company will be licensed as the football club to use the facilities it needs for matches, training and Academy activities at the Showgrounds.
Will members own shares in the new company, and what happens to existing shareholders?
No. The Society will own 100 per cent of the shares in the new company, while members will continue to own shares in the Society. Nothing changes for existing shareholders. The Society will continue to hold the lease on the Showgrounds, the club’s public funding grant awards and the Sligo Rovers identity.
Do the members benefit financially from the proposed restructuring?
No – the shares in the Society are essentially proof of membership, have no financial value and cannot be traded. The shares in the new company will have only a small nominal value and will be owned collectively by the Society.
Will assets transfer from the Society to the new company?
Yes. Those assets needed to operate the football activities will transfer to the new company, including cash resources, ticketing, merchandise, employment and supplier contracts, and equipment. Other assets, including the use of the stadium facilities and the club’s identity, will be licensed to the new company rather than transferred. Resources will be reallocated to ensure both the Society and the new company remain viable, with all arrangements made in accordance with legal and tax advice, and will be legally binding.
How will the club’s heritage be protected?
The club has played at the Showgrounds since 1928 and means a great deal to supporters across Sligo and the north-west as the spiritual home of the club. The club’s identity and its ongoing base at the Showgrounds will be protected through legally binding agreements between the Society and the new company. Sligo Rovers will always be the Bit O’Red, and the club’s heritage will have a prominent place in the new stadium, including a club museum and heritage displays in supporter hospitality areas.
I volunteer for Sligo Rovers – will the proposed changes affect this?
Most certainly not. Volunteerism is the lifeblood of our club and will continue to be so. Your help will still be needed and valued to sustain our community club.
The Need for Change
Why are these changes needed?
The League of Ireland has become increasingly competitive, particularly for member-owned regional clubs like Sligo Rovers. Privately funded clubs, especially those in larger population centres, have greater access to revenue streams, resources and players, and have reduced travel overheads.Sligo Rovers’ operating budget and operating costs have doubled in the past five years, while volunteer fundraising and existing commercial income are increasingly stretched. Borrowing to fund the club is neither sensible nor sustainable. The current financial model is no longer sustainable and the changes proposed will help us generate the resources and investment needed for our teams and academy to be competitive at the elite level of soccer in Ireland. The proposed structure will allow the club to modernise, grow its revenues and create the option to attract minority investment in the new company in the future.
Is this because of the club’s current league position?
No. These are long-term changes designed to secure the club’s future as it approaches its second century. They are not a response to the results of any one season. The stadium development and proposed restructuring will proceed as planned. The restructuring process will not detract from the club’s football operations. Everyone at Sligo Rovers remains fully committed to retaining our Premier Division status this season.
How the Decisions Will be Made
How will these changes be decided?
The Society is a member co-operative and operates on the principle of one member, one vote. Any changes to the Society and Sligo Rovers will be decided by its members. The Society Committee, chaired by Tommy Higgins, will present the proposals at two special general meetings, in September and October, with members expected to make a final decision at the October meeting.
How many members are in the Society?
The Society currently has just under 400 members. A further 600 people approximately are long-term contributors to the Friends of Sligo Rovers 500 Club and may be entitled, under the Society Rules, to apply for membership. All of these prospective members are being written to by the 500 Club in mid-August, advising them of their potential entitlement to membership and providing details of how to apply to the Society.
Why are new members being admitted now, shortly before an important vote?
This is the culmination of a long-running process to update the Society’s share register. Before a vote of this significance takes place, it is important that the Society’s membership register is as accurate and complete as possible, and that everyone entitled to participate has the opportunity to do so.
Who can attend the general meetings?
Attendance is limited to Society shareholders and those entitled to membership privileges under the Society’s Rules. Notices will be issued to everyone eligible ahead of the meetings. Eligibility to attend will be strictly observed, and a copy of the meeting notice will be required for admission.
I think I may be entitled to membership. What should I do?
Prospective members will be written to in the coming days and will be given details on how to apply for membership of the society if they are interested. Applications can be completed online using the link provided in the letter, returned by post using the enclosed form or the form can be emailed to the club. Please apply promptly, no later than Friday, 4th September, to allow time for your application to be considered so that you can be sent a meeting notice. If you do not receive a letter and believe you may be entitled to membership, please contact us at membership@sligorovers.com or call 071 9171212, selecting option 8 to leave a message at any time. Membership enquiries are being handled by a dedicated volunteer team and not by staff at the Showgrounds. Any enquiries made at the Showgrounds will be referred to this team. Please allow a few days for a response. Every message will be answered. Applications are considered by the Committee. Those approved for membership will be entitled to attend the general meetings and have their say on the proposed changes, and will receive notice to attend at least 14 days before the scheduled meeting.
What are the voting thresholds at the two meetings?
Each meeting requires a quorum of 50 members. At the first meeting, each resolution requires 75 per cent approval to proceed to a final vote. At the second meeting, a simple majority of 50 per cent plus one will confirm approval of the resolutions.
What happens if members do not approve the proposals?
If the proposals are not approved, the Society will continue under its existing structure. The Committee believes the proposed changes are in the Society’s best interests, but the decision to approve the restructuring changes rests entirely with members.
Has legal advice been taken?
Yes. Legal advice has confirmed that the proposed changes comply with the Society’s Rules and the laws governing Industrial and Provident Societies.
Does the FAI have any say in the proposed changes?
The FAI has a pivotal role in the licencing of clubs for the competitions it organises. The club has consulted with the FAI, which has outlined the important licensing requirements that will apply. Licensing transfers are only considered by the FAI in the League of Ireland off season (mid-November to mid-February). If the proposed changes are approved by members, an application to transfer the club’s FAI licence to the new company will be made, with the hope that the transfer will be approved by the FAI before the 2027 season begins.
Could this cost Sligo Rovers a European place under UEFA’s rules on change of legal entity?
UEFA’s “three‑year rule” is designed to prevent clubs from artificially altering their legal or operational status to gain a competitive advantage. In our case the changes proposed are for genuine operational and commercial reasons and the club can seek a UEFA dispensation should it qualify for Europe in the 3 years after the changes take effect.
What is the timescale?
The immediate focus is on securing member approval at the special general meetings in September and October. If approved, the restructuring and FAI licensing process would then be completed during the close season, ahead of the new season in February 2027.
Sligo Showgrounds & the New Stadium
What happens to Sligo Showgrounds if the restructuring is approved?
Nothing changes. The Society will remain the tenant in the Showgrounds until June 2064, at which time a new lease can be sought. The Society will continue to manage the facilities and lead the development of the new stadium. The Trustees, custodians of the grounds, are supportive of the proposed restructuring. The new company providing football operations will license use of facilities at the stadium including the 2 pitches, changing rooms, officials rooms, medical and anti-doping rooms, gymnasium, broadcast facilities, ticketing facilities, merchandise shop and coach/staff parking. As the Society itself is remaining unchanged the €16.4 million Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund grant and the €6.0 million in funding approved through the Immigrant Investor Programme are unaffected. The Government grant also places long-term protections on the Showgrounds, including requirements to maintain the stadium and its continued use as a multi-sport facility for at least 25 years from its completion.
What is the status of the new stadium project?
The Committee is working to complete the final legal approvals with Government Departments. All local authority approvals, including planning, fire safety and disabled access, are in place, and the detailed pre-tender design is nearing completion.The Society expects to publish the stadium delivery programme by October, with the tender process to follow. The stadium remains on course for delivery in late 2028, Sligo Rovers’ centenary year.
Future External Investment
Is there a new investor coming into the Society or the club?
There is no current proposal to bring a new investor into Sligo Rovers.
How might an investor come into the club in future, and when?
The new company will provide a structure for a future strategic partnership and investment in Sligo Rovers, with the Society retaining majority control. Any investment proposal will be put to Society members for approval. There is no current plan to bring in an investor, but the Committee believes the process to assess investment opportunities could begin as early as 2027 if the proposed changes are approved.
Would the Showgrounds or the Society itself form any part of a future investment?
No. Any future external investment will be in the new company, not the Society or the Showgrounds. The new stadium development at the Showgrounds is fully funded and does not require external investment. The Society will remain a 100 per cent member-owned co-operative.
Darren Purse has added experience and attacking power to his Sligo Rovers squad with the addition of both Luke Young and Kaiyne Woolery, both of whom have joined the club on deals until the end of the current season.
Young, 33, is an accomplished central midfielder and brings with him to the Bit O’Red, the experience of almost 600 senior career appearances in English football, including time with Wrexham, Plymouth and Cheltenham Town.
While winger Woolery, who can play up top is 31 and arrives at the Showgrounds following spells in the UK, Greece and Turkey.
Both players have signed subject to international transfer clearance and the club is hopeful both will be available for Saturday’s Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup tie with Kerry at the Showgrounds.
A former club captain at Wrexham, Young began his career alongside his new manager Purse and assistant Warren Feeney at Plymouth. Here, all three helped the Pilgrims survive relegation from the football league with two games to spare, despite being nine points adrift mid-way through the season.
Young was a regular feature in the Wexham side which won the National League in 2023 and finished runner-up in League Two a year later.
“He’s had an exceptional career and is someone myself and Warren know really well”, Purse tells sligorovers.com.
“Luke is in our position now when we were at Plymouth given that we were the elder statesmen. It’s not surprising to me how well he’s done in his career and hopefully he can help us do what he, myself and Warren did at Plymouth all those years ago and stay in the division.
“We’ve got some good young talent in our squad but they need some help. Both Luke and Kaiyne are that little but older. I think they’ll help not only the younger boys but also lads like Carl McHugh who is a lone voice a little bit and Gareth McElroy who’s an exceptional young leader and I feel the new boys can bring him on.
“We’ve had a lot of offers of younger players here but I don’t think that’s what we need at this moment. It’s taken a week or two longer to bring them in, but I wasn’t happy with just signing anyone. I want to sign the right ones that give us the best possible chance of getting out of the position we’re in.”
Six points off safety but with a full round of games yet to play, Plymouth native Young says he is keen to repay the trust shown in him by his former team-mates and is ready to go to battle as Rovers attempt to pull off a great escape of our own.
“I know the manager from playing with him at Plymouth when I was a young pro. I was in touch with him shortly after he became boss here and the move came from there”, Young says.
“It’s great to come to a club where you are wanted and Darren knows exactly what I’m like, both as a player and a person. He made it very clear to me that he wanted me at the club and now it’s time for me to prove I’m good enough to earn his trust and that of the fans and club.
“I’ve done my research into the league and the club. I won’t say I know too much about either but I do know it’s a tricky league to play in. It seems any team can beat any team really and to me that is part of the challenge, to be on top of your game every week. I’m looking forward to it.
“We’re obviously not in the best situation in terms of the league table. But we need to hit that challenge full on. I’ve had my experiences with relegation battles and have come out the right end of them. Hopefully my time at Rovers will be no different. Any little bit of help I can give, I will.
“I’ll do my best to squeeze every ounce of experience I have out of myself and drive up standards. I’m here to fight and to try and make sure this club is still in the Premier Division come the winter.”
Winger Woolery is a native of Hackney in London who most recently lined out for League Two side Tranmere Rovers who he assisted in avoiding the drop.
His career spans fifteen or so years and has brought him from England to Motherwell in Scotland and Sakaryaspor in Turkey to Ionikos in Greece.
“He was in a battle with Tranmere last year and we spoke with plenty of people around Tranmere”, Purse says.
“What kept coming back to me was the message that Kaiyne is the sort of person you’d go to war with. And that’s what you want when you’re fighting to stay in a division. He’s experienced, athletic and wants to run in behind. He brings versatility to our front line, which we maybe lack at the moment.”
“I like to play with power, be direct and carry the team up the pitch and play in behind or on the counter”, Woolery states.
“It only takes a few good results and you’re right back in amongst the other teams in the division and that’s what I’m here to help do.
“What’s exciting for me is that anything can happen. We have a full round of games still to go so there’s plenty of time for anything to happen and we’ve got the cup to look forward to.
“I’m delighted to work with Darren as he has so much experience in the game and plays football the way I like to play so I’m excited to see how we can implement his style on our own. Hopefully it works out now and we get back to winning ways.”
David Goulden
Sligo Rovers manager Darren Purse has secured his second signing since taking the top job at the Showgrounds last week, with the arrival of Welsh attacking midfielder Trey George on loan from Cardiff City.
The 20-year-old joins up ahead of Friday’s game against Dundalk on a deal which will see him play with the Bit O’Red until the end of the current season.
He will be eligible to take part in tomorrow’s game at Oriel Park as Rovers go in search of a vital victory which could lift us off the bottom of the table.
Adept at operating anywhere across the midfield, the Welsh underage international is Purse’s second summer signing following the arrival of wide-man Jack Shorrock who arrived at Sligo on Tuesday.
A native of Merthyr Tydfil, 25 miles north of Cardiff, George signed for the Bluebirds at the age of eight and has moved up the age ranks since.
He made his mark on his senior debut for the Championship club in an EFL Trophy game against Arsenal U21s in last November, a game in which he netted the fourth goal in a 4-1 win over the young Gunners.
Purse is very familiar with his latest acquisition, having coached George at Cardiff. Describing him as ‘exceptional’, Purse says he has the advantage of already knowing that Trey has all the right attributes given their shared pasts.
“Having that extra loan spot when Sean McHale left, gave me the perfect opportunity for me to bring someone over that I know”, Purse tells sligorovers.com.
“Trey’s a real top lad and I believe he’s a top player as well. You look at the impact he’s had over the past few years at Cardiff at the levels he’s played at. There’s huge potential there.
“But he needs time to develop and Cardiff have given him that time as they believe he has plenty to offer.
“If you look at his physical profile, he’s not the biggest but he’s got massive heart. Nobody will run farther than him and he’s versatile and adaptable in the way he plays the game.
“He’s an exceptional little footballer. I’ve worked with him for the last four years and he’s someone who will adapt well to the way we want to play.”
George was equally as keen to link up with Purse once more and knows to expect a real challenge as Rovers push to give ourselves the best possible chance of avoiding the drop.
“Darren’s had a massive influence on my career so far”, Trey says.
“He was heavily involved in me getting my first professional contract so we know each other very well and I know how he does things.
“He’s a great coach and is very honest in the way he goes about things, so I jumped at the chance to get to work with him again.
“I’m learning as much as I can about the league before I get stuck in.
“The Premier Division seems very competitive and a good place for young players to get going. I’ve been told it’s tough and not to expect any easy games so I’m looking forward to getting some experience while I’m here and helping the team get out of the bottom few spots of the table.
“We want to turn performances into wins as quickly as we can as we know as a group that there isn’t that much time left.”
David Goulden
Darren Purse has made his first addition as Sligo Rovers manager with the signing of Jack Shorrock on loan from Port Vale until the end of the season, subject to international transfer clearance.
The 19-year-old is a versatile left-sided player who can contribute in both defence and attack.
Shorrock arrives at the Showgrounds having already gained first-team experience in England despite his young age. A product of Port Vale’s academy, he became the club’s youngest-ever first-team player when he made his senior debut aged 15 years and 145 days in an EFL Trophy victory over Shrewsbury Town in September 2022.
He later became Port Vale’s youngest-ever goalscorer when he found the net against Barnsley in December 2023, aged 16 years and 242 days.
Shorrock says the prospect of regular senior football and the chance to contribute during an important period of the season made the move to Sligo Rovers an attractive one.
“I’m really happy to be here,” he tells sligorovers.com.
“It all came around quite quickly, but Sligo seems like a great place to live and to develop, not only as a player but as a person as well.
“I heard a lot of positive things about the club and the supporters, so it was an easy sell for me.
“There is a good group of lads here and good staff, and I want to come in and do good things for the club.”
The former Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers academy player joined Port Vale in 2022 following a successful trial. After becoming the club’s youngest-ever first-team player, Shorrock continued his development within the senior set-up before signing his first professional contract in June 2024.
He enjoyed a breakthrough 2024/25 campaign, making 22 appearances in all competitions as Port Vale secured promotion from League Two.
Shorrock scored twice during the promotion-winning season and won both the club’s Goal of the Season and Apprentice of the Season awards before being named the EFL League Two Apprentice of the Season.
He signed a new long-term contract at Vale Park in July 2025, keeping him at the club until at least the summer of 2028.
Shorrock also spent a short loan spell with National League North side Chester during the first half of the 2025/26 season, making five appearances in all competitions before being recalled in January.
He now joins a Rovers side looking to improve its position in the League of Ireland Premier Division during the closing months of the campaign.
The new arrival believes the senior experience he has gained at a young age has prepared him for the challenge ahead.
“There’s no time to settle in,” he continues.
“I need to come in and show what I can do straight away, both on and off the pitch. It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to and I want to represent the supporters properly on the pitch.
“It would be unbelievable to help keep the club in the division. Personally, I want to showcase what I can do and help the team get back to where it should be.
“Goals and assists are important in my position, so I want to improve my output and contribute as much as I can.
“I’m still young, but I’ve already gained good experience and hopefully that will help me here.”
Shorrock describes himself as an energetic and direct player who enjoys creating chances and taking on defenders.
“I’m an energetic player and I’ll always give everything,” he says.
“I like to play on the front foot, take players on and put crosses into the box. I want to excite the supporters.
“Off the pitch, I’d like to think I’m a good lad with a good personality and that I’m easy to get on with.
“I can’t wait to meet the group and start building relationships with the lads.”
Purse believes Shorrock’s athleticism, directness and quality in the final third will add another dimension to his squad.
“He’s a very direct player with a good delivery,” Purse says.
“He has good energy and athleticism, and I think he’ll be exciting for our supporters to watch.
“He has all the attributes you would want from a wide player. He excites me as a coach and I think he’ll excite the fans as well.”
Purse represented Port Vale during his own playing career, making 17 league appearances for the club in 2013 and gaining an understanding of the environment at Vale Park.
Having spoken to those at the club and watched Shorrock’s development, the Rovers boss believes the youngster is ready to take the next step in his career.
“I’ve spoken to people at Port Vale and Jack is very highly rated there,” Purse explains.
“I know him and I’ve watched him play. He’s only young, but he already has good experience for his age.
“He’s probably at the stage of his career where he needs to take that next step. He’ll get good senior minutes here and have opportunities to affect games in the final third.
“He can create goals and chances, and hopefully he can help us move away from the position we currently find ourselves in.”
Despite only turning 19 in April, Shorrock has already experienced League One and League Two football and was part of Port Vale’s promotion-winning 2024/25 campaign.
Purse believes that exposure to senior football will help the youngster adapt quickly to the demands of the League of Ireland Premier Division.
“He’s had a good pre-season with Port Vale and has played plenty of minutes, so he is fit,” Purse adds.
“Whether he starts on Friday is the same as it is for every other player in the squad. There is no divine right to play.
“You have to earn your place, and that is something we need to reinforce throughout the squad.”
Shorrock concluded with a message for the Rovers support.
“I can’t wait to meet you all,” he says.
“Get behind me and the lads, and we’ll give everything for you over the remaining games.”
Jack Dempsey
It was another encouraging weekend for the academy, with three competitive fixtures providing plenty of positives. There were some impressive performances across the age groups, with the players giving a great account of themselves. While results varied, every squad continued to make positive strides, with their hard work on the training ground continuing to show. Attention now turns to next weekend’s fixtures, where the teams will be looking to build on their recent performances and keep their development moving in the right direction.
U14 | Athlone Town 4–2 Sligo Rovers
After an entertaining 3–3 draw at home to Longford Town, it was another enjoyable afternoon for our U14s as they travelled south on Sunday to face a strong Athlone Town side.
Athlone made the brighter start and took an early lead, but the lads responded well, with Maye finding the equaliser in the 29th minute. The hosts then hit back with two quick goals from Ben O’Connor to open up a 3–1 advantage.
The entertaining first half showed no signs of slowing down as Gethins pulled one back just a minute after Athlone’s third, finishing off a well-worked team move to leave the score at 3–2 heading into the break.
The second half was a much tighter affair, with chances at a premium. Rovers kept pushing for an equaliser right until the closing stages but couldn’t quite find the breakthrough. As the lads threw bodies forward in search of a late goal, Athlone caught them on the counter and wrapped up the win with a breakaway goal in the final minute.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives to take from another competitive performance against strong opposition.
WU17 | Klub Kildare 1–1 Sligo Rovers
It was an impressive performance from the girls on Saturday as they travelled to FBD Hotels & Resorts Park to face second-placed Klub Kildare.
It wasn’t the start the management team would have wanted, as Kildare took an early lead through a fine strike from Carty. After a lively opening, the game settled down, with both defences and goalkeepers in excellent form, ensuring there were very few clear-cut chances for the remainder of the first half.
As the game approached the hour mark, it looked as though it would take either a mistake or a moment of magic to get the girls back on level terms. Thankfully, it was the latter, as Herbert teed up defender Guckian, who produced a superb finish to find the back of the net.
Both sides continued to battle for a winner, but neither could create the decisive chance, as the referee’s final whistle confirmed the points would be shared.
The result moves the girls up to fourth place in the table after five rounds of matches.
WU23 | Sligo Rovers 0–1 Galway United
Our U23 girls welcomed Galway United to The Showgrounds on Sunday for a Connacht derby in Round 14 of the league.
The girls made a bright start, creating plenty of chances and putting together some positive passages of play. A strong Galway United side also threatened throughout the opening half, but a resilient Rovers defence stood firm as the sides went into the break level at 0–0.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams enjoying spells of possession and creating opportunities, although neither goalkeeper was seriously tested for long periods. With just 15 minutes remaining, however, Amira Bouhlel McNamara struck to put the Tribeswomen in front.
Unfortunately, that proved to be the only goal of the game. Despite the defeat, the girls can take plenty of encouragement from another competitive performance as they now focus on their next game away to Longford.
Tom Lavery
Sligo Rovers are pleased to announce the appointment of Darren Purse as manager on an 18-month contract.
The 49-year-old arrives at the Showgrounds from Cardiff City, where he spent almost five years working with the club’s Under-23 and Under-21 sides, running their loan programme and serving a spell as assistant manager of the first team.
“I’m really looking forward to getting started,” he tells sligorovers.com.
“When the opportunity came up I rang a few people I know who have worked in football around Ireland, and every one of them said the same thing. It’s a really good football club, and one I’m looking forward to taking places.”
Purse inherits a side bottom of the Premier Division after 24 games, and he is under no illusions about the immediate task.
“You can have a long-term plan as much as you want, but the big thing for us is winning games over the next 12 and staying in this division,” he says.
“After that you can set your plans for the season after, and the season after that. Right now it’s about winning football matches.”
Purse succeeds John Russell, who left the club earlier this month after just over four years as men’s first team manager, having previously represented Rovers as a player and served as assistant manager. Purse’s appointment concludes a recruitment process in which the club interviewed a wide field of candidates.
“I am delighted to welcome Darren to the Showgrounds,” chairperson Tommy Higgins says.
“He came through as the standout candidate in a thorough process and the panel’s decision was unanimous.
“He impressed us with his technical and interpersonal skills and with his vision for Sligo Rovers. We look forward to working with Darren in the seasons ahead.”
A centre-half capped at England Under-21 level, Purse played for over two decades and captained nearly every club he represented, including Birmingham City, Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday. He was named Birmingham’s Player of the Season in 2000/01, a campaign in which he scored a last-minute penalty in the League Cup final against Liverpool.
He intends to bring that experience of leading dressing rooms with him.
“You have to be the leader who sets the standards. If you’re going to win football matches you need desire and work ethic around you, as a club and as a team, and that’s what I want to bring here,” he says.
“I’ve watched the last few games back and there’s plenty of quality in that dressing room to get us up the table. It’s my job to get the best out of each individual player to achieve that.”
Since moving into coaching he has built a reputation for bringing young players through. He joined Cardiff in December 2021 and oversaw a pathway that produced nine of their first-team players last season.
“I’ve been looking for the right project for a while,” he says.
“It’s a football club that wants to develop young players, and that’s something I’d like to think I’m good at. My history says that.
“We need to be developing young players who can play for Rovers’ first team, and if the opportunity arises to sell them on and further their careers, that’s good for the football club too.”
Alongside his coaching, Purse ran Cardiff’s loan programme, placing young players into senior football at home and abroad.
“That was a string I added to my bow over the last three years. Cardiff didn’t really have a loan strategy until that point,” he says.
“It’s a huge part of developing young players. They need the opportunity to go and play men’s football, and it bridges the gap between the Under-21s and the first team.
“In that role I built up an immense list of contacts, and I’ll be looking to tap into those before the transfer window closes.”
That window shuts Tuesday next, leaving the new manager a little over a week to add to his squad.
The supporter-owned model at the Showgrounds also drew him to the job.
“I’ve been involved with fan-owned clubs before, as a player towards the end of my career, and I always find people go above and beyond,” Purse says.
“Everybody talks about the number of volunteers, the people who give up their own time for the success of the club, and I’m hoping I can represent the club in the best way possible by being around the community as much as I can.”
On what supporters can expect from his teams, Purse is clear.
“Playing for the shirt is the biggest thing. It’s what I did most and best as a player,” he says.
“As a manager, you need that desire every time you cross the white line, and we’re going to need it in abundance. I like a side that wants to play through the thirds and be a positive, possession-based team.”
Purse will be in the dugout on Saturday night alongside Declan Boyle, who has led preparations for the game on an interim basis and will then return to his role as men’s Under-20s manager. Purse’s message to those coming through the turnstiles is a simple one.
“The biggest thing is to back the players. Are they going to make mistakes over the next 12 games? Yes,” he says.
“But I guarantee every single one of them will be playing for the shirt, which is a non-negotiable for me, and working as hard as they can to get us out of the situation we’re in.”
Sligo Rovers versus Drogheda United kicks off at the Showgrounds on Saturday night at 7.45pm.
Ryan Davey
There was plenty to be proud of across the academy this weekend, as every squad put in committed performances in their latest league fixtures. Several excellent results, along with plenty of determined displays, reflected the hard work being done by the players and coaches throughout the academy. Attention now turns to another busy weekend of fixtures, with all of the squads hoping to build on this week’s performances and continue their positive progress.
It was back to winning ways for our U20s on Sunday as they welcomed a strong Klub Kildare side to the Showgrounds. Following last week’s disappointing 2-1 cup defeat to Drogheda United, the lads were eager to get back on track and continue their impressive league form.
The game got off to a quiet start, with neither side creating many clear-cut chances or really testing the opposition goalkeeper. That changed on the half-hour mark when Ross Dalton-Ruane broke the deadlock, finishing well to give Rovers a deserved lead.
The game opened up after the goal, with both goalkeepers called into action as the visitors pushed for an equaliser. However, Charlie McGarvey, making his U20 debut at just 16 years of age, produced a composed performance between the posts and dealt well with everything that came his way.
With Klub Kildare piling on the pressure late on and the three points still in the balance, Stoskus sealed the victory with a well-taken goal in the 80th minute.
It was a brilliant all-round performance from the lads, who claimed a deserved clean sheet and all three points. The result leaves them sitting third in the league, just one point off top spot.
The excellent start to the second round of fixtures continued for our U17s on Sunday as they maintained their impressive run of form.
Although the lads went into the game as league leaders, they knew they were in for a tough test against Athlone Town, and that certainly proved to be the case.
Rovers made the perfect start when David Newman finished neatly after just 12 minutes to give the lads an early lead. However, Athlone responded well and found an equaliser on the half-hour mark. Just before the break, Stephen Gibbons played Ryan Quinn through on goal, and he made no mistake to restore Rovers’ advantage and send the lads in 2-1 ahead at half-time.
The topsy-turvy contest continued early in the second half when Duffy grabbed Athlone’s second goal to level the game once again. Both sides continued to push for a winner, and if it hadn’t been for a number of outstanding saves from 14-year-old Donagh Oates between the posts, the scoreline could have looked very different.
Thankfully, centre-back Scott Williams stepped up to restore Rovers’ lead with a well-taken third goal. Then, just as it looked as though the game would finish 3-2, Ryan Quinn grabbed his second of the afternoon in the 91st minute to wrap up all three points for the lads.
The late goal took Quinn’s tally to six league goals in six games since the start of the second round of fixtures, while the victory sees Rovers strengthen their position at the top of the league table.
After last week’s emphatic 4-1 win over Klub Kildare, it was always going to be a tougher afternoon for the lads as they welcomed league leaders Derry City to the Showgrounds on Saturday.
A slow start against a side boasting a 100% league record was always going to be punished, and Derry raced into a 2-0 lead inside the opening 15 minutes.
To their credit, the lads responded well and pulled one back before the break when Sean Monaghan showed great composure to finish neatly and make it 2-1 at half-time.
Despite many brave and impressive performances from the Rovers lads, it wasn’t to be, as Derry produced another strong second-half performance and ran out comfortable winners in the end.
The lads will look to improve in their next outing at home to Finn Harps.
Our U14s showed great character on Sunday afternoon as they came from two goals down to earn a draw in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Longford Town on The Showgrounds AstroTurf.
It was the visitors who made the brighter start, with Oisin O’Donnell striking twice inside the opening five minutes to give Longford a commanding 2-0 lead.
The lads responded well and gradually worked their way back into the game. Their pressure paid off in the 25th minute when Daniel Maye picked out Jack Ivers-Brehony, who finished well to halve the deficit.
Rovers carried that momentum into the second half and were back on level terms almost immediately after the restart. Jayce Murray did well down the wing before setting up Ivers-Brehony for his second goal of the afternoon to make it 2-2.
The game continued to swing from end to end, and Longford regained the lead in the 76th minute when Oisin O’Donnell completed his hat-trick.
However, the lads never gave up and were rewarded late on when a goalmouth scramble ended with the ball finding the back of the net to rescue a deserved draw for Rovers.
The deficit proved too much for the WU17s to overcome after an uncharacteristically slow start left them 3-0 down inside the opening 13 minutes. To their credit, the girls showed plenty of fight and determination throughout the game, but the early lead ultimately proved too much to recover from.
Substitute Freya Fitzpatrick pulled a goal back in the 88th minute, but it wasn’t enough as Mayo ran out comfortable winners.
The girls will now turn their attention to their next outing away to Klub Kildare, where they’ll be looking to bounce back with an improved performance.
Tom Lavery
Sligo Rovers can confirm the departure of Men’s First Team Manager John Russell, who has accepted the position of First Team Manager with Shelbourne FC.
John has had a long association with Sligo Rovers, having represented the club as a player across two spells before returning as Assistant Manager in late 2018. He was appointed Men’s First Team Manager in June 2022.
During his time as manager, John played an important role in developing a young squad and promoting a positive, attacking style of football. His commitment to player development helped to establish a group of talented young players and provided the club with a solid foundation for the future.
Sligo Rovers Chairperson Tommy Higgins said:
“John has given tremendous service to Sligo Rovers over many years, both as a player and as manager. On behalf of the Management Committee, I would like to thank him for his commitment, professionalism and contribution to the club during his time in charge.
“While we are disappointed to see him leave, we respect his decision and wish him every success in his new role. John will always be welcome at The Showgrounds.”
Everyone at Sligo Rovers FC would like to thank John for his service and dedication, and wish him well for the future.
