Shane Blaney has signed a new contract with Sligo Rovers as the defender looks forward to a second season at The Showgrounds.

The 22-year-old was restricted by injury during 2021 but still made an important contribution to the Bit O’ Red in the third-place finish.

The Donegal man joined Rovers from Doncaster Rovers last January and quickly took to life in Sligo.

“I’ve absolutely loved it here to be honest so signing back was a very easy decision. The set-up, the people behind the scenes and just the club overall is top class.

“I love that the town is so engrossed in football and about Sligo Rovers. I came from Under-23 football in England to here where every result counts for so much and the impact of a win or a defeat is huge. It’s what you want as a player.

“The best part of the season for me was when I got the run of games in the summer and it made getting the injury all the worse. It transpired it was a fracture but I was playing through that for nearly all of the games. We only discovered afterwards that it was the case.

“In the end we just had to sort it out so I did miss all those months. It was a bit of a nightmare in truth but we spoke at the club and knew it had to be fixed.”

Blaney returned with a standout display against Bohemians on the final night of the season – similar to another excellent performance when Rovers were a man down away to Dundalk earlier in the year in which Blaney was key.

“Getting back on the pitch against Bohemians meant a lot because I put in a lot of work to be able to play again this year. It wasn’t an injury to rush back from as the risk of it happening again was there without a proper recovery. I was delighted to play and I felt I did well on the night.

“I do feel the injury held me back a lot. I missed pre-season games last year as well and now with the work we’re doing now and pre-season to come, I’ll be ready to go for the new season. Nobody has seen the best of me yet. I can’t wait to show it. There’s great competition, not just at centre-half, but all over the pitch and if we want to go challenge at the top we need that squad.

“Last season is done now, we can be very happy with finishing in the top three but that’s got to be a target every year. The gaffer has been building each season and I feel we have to keep aiming higher. We all know the quality in the squad and I’m very happy to sign again.”

Manager Liam Buckley said: “Shane is a very good defender first and foremost. He has shown that on the pitch and over the course of the year he did well and was an important of the group. I’m delighted he has committed for next season.

“He’s a tremendous striker of the ball and he will benefit from this last year even when it has been disrupted. We also used Shane in midfield on a couple of occasions as well because he has attributes to go in there if needed.

“We saw on the final night of the year against Bohs what Shane is about because he was absolutely superb and great credit to him. It took a lot of hard work and patience to get back to that point.

“We’ve got three top class centre halves which is great from our point of view. We are building a squad for the next season and a bigger one than this year. Securing Shane for next season is another boost for us and we are pleased with where we are at this moment in time.”

Details of the 2021 Annual Draw can be found below.

The draw takes place on 22 December with a top prize of €5,000.

As our means of selling has been restricted by Covid-19 regulations, we encourage supporters to buy online.

Buy tickets here.

Will Fitzgerald has become the first new signing for Sligo Rovers for the 2022 season.

Fitzgerald featured in all but one of Derry’s games this season, contributing seven assists over the year and continuing his fine career so far in the League of Ireland.

The Limerick man has played over 80 games in the league despite just being 22, having previously featured for his hometown club and Waterford FC.

He said: “I feel there is something very exciting happening here. I just couldn’t say turn it down when I spoke with Liam. I had such a good feeling that I knew it was the right decision to sign. The main takeaway from the talks we had was the style of football, and the philosophy that Liam has, and that it will suit me perfectly.

“I’m 22 now and I want to take on more responsibility and really make a mark. I’ve always backed myself and I feel I’m at the point now to take that next step and the development phase a player is coming to an end.

“For me the progress Sligo Rovers has made as a club and under Liam is only leading to one thing and that is challenging for trophies. I feel it’s a perfect match because I’m just so motivated to help the club and myself to get to the next level.”

Fitzgerald played against Rovers in one of his first appearances as a professional for Limerick in 2018, with the experienced of lining out in front of a 3,000 crowd staying with him.

An accomplished winger, he feels the new environment will be an ideal setting for him.  

“I play my best football wide right or on the left. I like to get one on one against the defender and there’ll be no better place than the Showgrounds when the crowd is behind you.

“One of my first memories as a player in the league was against Sligo Rovers on the opening day and the stadium was packed. I thought at the time how incredible it must be to be a home player with that backing.

“I know some of the group already, like Robbie McCourt, and it’s well-known what a great club it is. There is European football here which was another factor which helped in my decision but in truth everything was pointing to a move here.

“I’m just really excited to start and I want the 2022 season to be a really special one for everyone.”

Rovers boss Liam Buckley admitted he has been monitoring Fitzgerald for some time and is thrilled to get his man.

The 2022 squad now has 17 players as Buckley continues to build for the new year.

Liam Buckley said: “Will is a player who has been on my radar for a couple of years. I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring him to the club now.

“Will has so many great attributes. His crossing is excellent, he can run at players, he’s a great passer of the ball and overall he just has buckets of ability.

“He can play on the wing or centrally and with the ball at his feet he is a real danger. Will was with Derry last season and I think he has done well at every club he’s been at.

“I look at the overall group and I see so much potential improvement in the players we have. That is something to look forward to next season.

“Will fits into that category because he’s been a very good player in the league for a number of the seasons and he can be even better. We will give him that platform and he can make a real impact here.”

Niall Morahan has signed a new two-year contract with Sligo Rovers, the club are delighted to announce today.

Morahan, 21, made the most appearance in the Bit O’ Red midfield this year, with only Garry Buckley playing more over the course of the season in the overall squad.

Having won the club’s Player of the Year in 2020, he continued his progress with 31 appearances in all competitions as Rovers sealed a third place finish this season.

A product of the club’s academy, Morahan has now lined out in over 75 senior games.

A total of 16 players are now signed for the Bit O’ Red next season. Nine of those are from the club’s academy.

Morahan has been one of the biggest success stories since joining from Carrick Town and as he enters his fourth senior season next year, he is excited what the future holders are Rovers continue to climb the table each season.

Morahan said: “I was very grateful to get the chance this season and to play as much as I did was brilliant. The gaffer has been preaching continuous improvement since he has been here and that is what we all want.

“It was a bittersweet season in a way. We achieved our aim as was set out at the start of the season but at the same time I think we left some things behind. From where we were in the summer time and the European game, that was something we have to learn from. For a lot of us that was the first time to play in Europe. It was a great experience even though it was a such a disappointment and it only makes us hungrier to learn from it and win games next season.

“I’ve been here for a good few years and my aim recently has been step up and become of one of the experienced players and someone for the next crop of players coming through to look up to. Most importantly it’ll be to be in the team and keep improving. We all feel we can build on this position and get to the next level so it’s just about working hard to get there.”

Manager Liam Buckley said: “Niall has done fantastically well for us. We’ve been delighted with the progress he has made.

“Over the last two years Niall has played more games than anyone which is a real credit to him. We put faith in the players here for a very good reason. We know how good they are and that they will continue to develop. Niall is one of the best examples of that because in these years he’s been part of two top four finishes with the club and that is not easy in this league. It takes a lot of hard work and he can take a lot of pride in that.

“It has been beneficial for Niall to be around the likes of Greg Bolger and David Cawley. They’ve been there and done it. We want competition within the group and we will have a bigger and a stronger squad next year. That’s going to be the challenge for every player as we go forward but it will make them all the better for it.”

Speaking about the overall squad, Buckley said: “It’s important for us to keep the core group and add to it.

“The process is ongoing and we will look to add some new faces as well because every window we look to improve the squad.

“We want to move it forward and we will only do that by continually being better as a whole.”

Mark Byrne has signed a new contract with Sligo Rovers, the club are delighted to announce.

The 21-year-old was part of the first-team squad in 2020 but this last season he made a significant breakthrough with 25 appearances in all competitions.

The Mayo man has been rewarded with a new deal at The Showgrounds with 15 players now signed up for the 2022 campaign. He has signed a two-year deal.

“I feel I contributed more this year which is what I wanted and 25 appearances overall was great.

“I like to think I’ve matured a lot. There’s a great dressing-room here and I’m delighted to a part of it.

“The gaffer speaks with me every day. He has a job for every player in every game and he’s always speaking about what he feels I can do.

“I’m ready for the new season already because I think I can really step forward.”

Liam Buckley said: “Mark has done very well for us and we’ve been delighted. He started some very important games this season.

“I think he started a third of our league games and came off the bench for as many so he has been a valuable part of the squad.

“Mark is another player who has come through the academy here and has grown into a role in the senior group.

“I do feel you have to play in the league to appreciate it and as you go through year one and year two, you become more accustomed to it. This season was a big one for Mark and we’ll see him as an even better player next season.

“We try to give Mark licence as a forward player to influence the game because we see that he can. He certainly deserves this new deal.

“We are looking to build a bigger squad for next season. We will try to add some new faces and there is undoubtedly improvement within the group as well. We finished the season in third place on merit and building on that is the overall aim.”

Season tickets for the 2022 SSE Airtricity League season are now on sale here.

Supporters have the chance to reserve their own seat for every league game in 2022 and priority tickets for European and FAI Cup matches.

This year the post-Christmas price increase for season tickets will not apply with a standard rate all year around and discounted from the previous January rates.

Supporters who buy their season ticket on or before December 5^th are guaranteed a pre-Christmas delivery.

Those who purchase after will receive a Sligo Rovers Season Ticket token which can be used to form a Christmas Present.

Gold – Secure Your Seat – Season Tickets:

A Sligo Rovers Gold Season Ticket allows the supporter to select their favourite seat in the ground and have it reserved for every game of the season. Whether you work late and can only make kick off, enjoy a pre-match tea or coffee in the clubhouse, or you simply want to wait until the last minute to avoid the cold, your seat is secured.

Gold season tickets will work out at an extra €3 per match.

Gold tickets will be offered in all categories.

Adult Season Tickets:

Adult season ticket prices cost €240.

An adult Gold ticket costs €300, where you can reserve your seat for every game, as explained above.

Gold Season tickets are continuing to prove extremely popular with an increase in demand each season. Due to Covid-19, this has not been applicable for the last two seasons so next year you can guarantee your seat once more.

Student and Concession categories:

We are again offering discounted rates for second and third level students. Secondary school tickets are €100, around half the amount you would pay by paying on the gate each week, and Third Level Student tickets are €160, saving you around €20 for the season. Upgrade to a Gold Save Your Seat ticket for just €220.

Bit O Red supporters who are unemployed can purchase a concession season ticket, with an up to date letter required from your local Intreo office to show your you are not working.

OAP/Senior Citizen Tickets:

These tickets are €160 for 2022, with the gold option just €220. Again proof of concession will be required.

Pricing for our concession tickets are among the most competitive in the League of Ireland as we stress affordable football for all.

Super Reds:

Our fantastic Super Red offer will again remain for 2022.

Season Ticket prices will be €60 for kids aged 12 and under, but this season they will get even more.

As well as entry to every league game, they will receive an official Sligo Rovers Training top as well as access to our Super Red open day and other perks such as priority booking on European Tickets and Kids Camps.

At the Super Red Open day they meet the first team players and be put through their paces by Rovers management staff in an hour long coaching session. Kids will also receive a birthday card in the post in time for their big day in 2022, signed by their favourite player. This is all part of the fee of just €60.

To purchase your ticket online, visit www.srfcdirect.com

To purchase your ticket, you may also visit one of the following outlets:

• Showgrounds office (from now)
• Barton Smith, Hyde Bridge, Sligo
• Johnston Court Shopping Centre stall (from December)
• Collery Menswear, Grattan Street
• Greenan Electrical, Boyle
• Collerys Shop, Beltra
• John Gillespies, Tubbercurry
• Centra Gurteen
• Lavins Menswear Ballymote
• Tony Quinn, Cliffoney
• Michael Toolan, Achonry
• Jim Gartlan Carrick on Shannon

You can buy online at any time on SRFCDirect by clicking here.

For queries, please contact 071-9171212 or e-mail administrator@sligorovers.com.

Supporters who purchase Gold tickets will be contacted directly by the club in time to save your seat.

Sligo Rovers play their final match of the SSE Airtricity League season on Friday night against Bohemian FC in the Showgrounds, kick-off 7.45pm.

The Bit O’ Red will finish in third place in the table regardless of the outcome of the game. Bohemians are in fourth place and are looking to seal that position on the season finale.

In team news, Edward McGinty is back after missing last week’s game due to illness, while Greg Bolger returns from injury.

Robbie McCourt was forced off with injury last week but is also fit to play.

Regan Donelon (illness) and Danny Kane (foot) miss out.

Johnny Kenny returns from international duty.

Liam Buckley said: “We were a bit disappointed with our performance last week. I thought we improved in the second half but we still needed to be more clinical in our play. We needed to be more ruthless in general and it’s something we’ll seek to improve in on Friday.

“The pressure is off when it comes to sealing the European place but the pressure isn’t off when it comes to winning games. We owe it to ourselves to finish off this season as best we can.

“Bohemians need a result as we know so it’ll be a tricky game and the games this year have been very competitive. We had a good win in one of the games in the Showgrounds but in general play ther wasn’t a lot in that match.

“One regret over the last two seasons is we were restricted at times attendance wise and that was one of those matches. We would love to put on a performance for everyone here and to give them a reward for their role this season.

“We were down a few players for various reasons last week and there is a better outlook this week. We’ll do our utmost to win the game and sign off in the best way possible. “

Lewis Banks has signed a new contract with Sligo Rovers as he extends his spell at the Showgrounds into a fourth season.

Banks has played over 70 league games in his time in Sligo, becoming a real favourite of the club’s supporters for his tenacious performances.

He was voted the club’s Player of the Year in 2019 before helping the club secure successive European qualifications in the last two campaigns as first-choice right-back.

He is nominated for Player of the Year again this campaign for Rovers.

The 24-year-old is the latest player to sign for 2022, with 14 now committed.

Lewis Banks said: “I’m delighted to sign. When I first signed here qualifying for Europe was the big aim. We’ve done that twice now and it’s a real achievement to do that. I didn’t know what to expect when I left England to come here but next season will be my fourth year and it tells you how much I’ve enjoyed it.

“I’ve good relationships with people at the club and I wouldn’t stay without that. It counts for a lot and I’ve liked playing here for the last three seasons.

“I look back on the year that we finished third and it could have been more with the start we had. I missed pre-season and some of the early games because of an injury. It was tough to get back in but I do find with a good run of games you are far better for it. I had that and felt I contributed over the course of the season.

“I told my Dad I was going to score this season and it was nice to prove it to him. The three goals were all winning goals but the one against Longford is the one that stands out. That was a great moment. I’d like to get more of them next season.

“I think the squad gets stronger every season and that has been reflected in how we have done. We want to keep rising. As much as securing back to back Europe is an achievement, a trophy would really top it off. That would be a different level. We have to aim for that.”

Banks was one of the first new signings made by Liam Buckley.

The Rovers boss is delighted to see the former Stoke City man commit further to the club.

Liam Buckley said: “It’s great to bring Lewis into a fourth season here. He’s been a fantastic player for the club for the last three years.

“His conditioning is second to none. He has come up with some big moments and I’ve been delighted for him. He gives it everything and he has a real feel for the club after these last few years.

“Lewis has slotted in at different roles as well in the team and that reflects his ability as a defender firstly but also as a player.

“The goals he’s scored shows he can play further up the pitch and as we know from the back four he gets up into those attacking areas.

“It’s another quality player in our squad for next season and I’m really pleased.”

Adam McDonnell has signed a contract extension with Sligo Rovers for the 2022 season, the club are delighted to announce today.

The midfielder joined from Boreham Wood in the summer and has made 16 appearances, going on to become a regular in the Rovers side.

McDonnell scored his first goal for the club in the 3-0 win over St Patrick’s Athletic as the Bit O’ Red sealed a place in Europe.

He has signed a new deal today to follow Greg Bolger, Garry Buckley, Colm Horgan, Johnny Kenny and Robbie McCourt in doing so in recent weeks.

McDonnell said: “When I signed last summer I had offers elsewhere in Ireland including in Dublin and coming here just felt right. I knew in the first three days that I was going to enjoy it, even by just being in training.

“It’s the happiest I’ve been in years in football. There are quality players here and the decision to come here last summer has been one of the best I’ve ever made.

“We’re in Europe next year with an unbelievable core group of players.

“The gaffer gives us a freedom to play and to express yourself. I’m happy with what we’ve done in finishing third but 100% there’s more to come from me. With a pre-season under my belt I feel you’ll see the best of me”

McDonnell made two appearances in his first week at the club despite joining when he had finished his previous season two months earlier. Rovers were down a number of players at the time.

“Coming in mid-season and having not played a lot, it does take time but I liked that I was part of it straight away. That’s what I needed. I felt good but with that pre-season next year I really think I’ll be all the better for it.

“I made my debut in the European game and then had to bide my time.  I was loving being in every day and being around the lads. The lads made me welcome straight away. When I joined it was probably when things started to turn with injuries and other stuff so I felt like a bad luck charm!

“The gaffer was the calmest man in Sligo and he kept wanting us to have winning in mind. He’s put faith in me and I love playing with the likes of Greg Bolger, Niall Morahan, David Cawley. Greg put his arm around me straight away when I joined and helped me settle in. I’ve learned things off Greg and I’ve tried to help him as well. We all get along well as a group. It’s just about keeping the head down now and what we want to achieve.

“Being back in Ireland has been great. My friends and family have come down to Sligo regularly and they love coming here too. We’ve got the big game on Friday and then it’s about pre-season. I’m sure the gaffer will be adding to the players already signed and we want that competition. Whoever comes in will have to be quality because the lads here have shown how good they are. I was looking at the Player of the Year list and you see what unbelievable players we have and there’s more not there too who have done well.”

While McDonnell has relished being at the club, and the outcome of the season, the exits from Europe and the FAI Cup in the first days at the club have left some regrets.

“We still talk about the European tie in the dressing-room and the FAI Cup as well. We haven’t forgotten it if we’re honest. That’s something we want to improve upon next year and in the league as well if we can.

“The game on Friday is going to be great to be part of as well. The people and the fans here have been so good to me since I’ve come in so I hope they all come out. Even around the town everyone wishes you well and welcomes you to the area and when you move to somewhere new it’s really nice.

“I’m really happy to stay here and with how the time has gone and I’m excited by what we can do next season.”

Liam Buckley said: “Adam has come in during the middle of the season to big pressure games and he’s acquitted himself brilliantly.

“It’s not easy coming in during the summer and we needed to call on him quickly.  He’s a real footballer and as a midfielder he offers a lot both defensively and offensively. I’m very happy he is committing for next season because in a full season I feel Adam will be even more of an asset.

“He’s earned it, he’s become part of the group with ease and he’ll be a big player for us.”

Voting is now open for the Wehrly Bros Jewellers Sligo Rovers Senior and Young Player of the Year.

Greg Bolger, Robbie McCourt, Lewis Banks, Edward McGinty, Johnny Kenny, John Mahon and Garry Buckley are nominated for Wehrly Bros Senior Player of the Year.

McGinty, Kenny, Mahon, Niall Morahan and Mark Byrne are nominated for Wehrly Bros Young Player of the Year.

Voting will be done by public vote for the Young Player of the Year.

In the senior award, a public vote will make up 50% of the criteria, with local media and football figures making up the remaining 50%.

There will be no social function for the club at the end of the season in what would be the usual awards night due to Covid-19.

Voting is open now and will close on Friday morning.

Click here to vote for Senior Player.

Click here to vote for Young Player of the Year