Last Saturday’s scheduled game with Waterford FC will be resulted as a 3-0 Sligo Rovers victory following a meeting of the Football Association of Ireland’s Disciplinary Unit this afternoon.

Waterford FC were unable to use their first-team players due to Covid-19 cases and stood down their Under-19 side.

The Blues indicated they were unwilling to play the fixture without their first-team players, something which Sligo Rovers FC completely understand in the circumstances.

The match will conclude as Sligo Rovers 3-0 Waterford following the FAI DCU meeting.

Rovers are now second in the SSE Airtricity League table on 22 points.

Sligo Rovers face Longford Town on Friday night in The Showgrounds in the SSE Airtricity League.

After Waterford withdrew from last week’s game, Rovers are back on the pitch for the first time since a 1-0 success over Dundalk.

The match is live on WATCHLOI. Commentary will be provided by Adrian Eames and Joseph Ndo.

Jordan Gibson, the club’s Player of the Month for March/April, scored the only goal in Oriel Park.

The Bit O’ Red are expected to receive a 3-0 victory for the Waterford game, which would move us to second place in the table.

Longford Town have failed to win since the opening day of the season but that does not tell the story for the midlanders who have competed well in every game on their return to the top flight.

Rovers came away from Bishopsgate with a narrow 1-0 victory and had to withstand a spirited second half from the home side.

In team news, Greg Bolger serves a one-game ban. Garry Buckley’s red card in Oriel Park was served in the Waterford game.

Danny Kane will return to training in the coming days. Darren Collins also misses out this week due to a sprained ankle. David Cawley is doubtful with a groin problem and will be tested pre-game.

Manager Liam Buckley said: “We used last weekend to give some rest to players who needed it because we had a few knocks and niggles which required that.

“For the players who didn’t need rest and haven’t seen as much game time, we did more work with them and overall managed the schedule as we needed.

“We have a good squad here but it’s a difficult league and the schedule can be congested at times so you keep all of that mind.

“Most of all, since we knew the Waterford game wasn’t happening we’ve been focused on this game with Longford. It was a decent result and performance in Dundalk, we came away with the win we wanted and we have to be ready for another tough game here.

“Longford are going to be full of energy and I think they’ve done quite well since being promoted. The match in Longford was a close one and Garry Buckley popped up with the only goal. We have to be ready for what Longford will bring here because they will be right at it as they have been all season.

“But overall our focus is on our own performance. We’ve done well so far this season to be high up in the table and it’s where we want to be. We’ll be looking to win more games and we know how hard it is do that in this league.

“Greg is missing this week and he has done well for us. Danny Kane has been progressing well and I expect him to come into training in the next few days.

“We’ve a good group here and anyone we call upon to come in will be ready.”

Danny O’Leary has departed Sligo Rovers as he takes up a new role with the FAI as High Performance director for Sligo, Leitrim and Mayo. 

O’Leary, who had a lengthy League of Ireland career as a player, has also enjoyed a spell as Head of Youth Development with Rovers along with coaching the U-17 boys with Colm Jinks at that time.

He has been involved in coaching for years in the region, including Mayo senior side Manulla and the Mayo League Oscar Traynor team for a brief period before joining the Bit O’ Red.  

However Danny has been particularly important to Rovers in leading our women’s teams in the last year, both with the Under-17s and now the new Under-19s. 

His experience and ambition for the women’s game was a huge help to the club and as he departs today, the club thanks Danny for the groundwork and for being such a positive influence on the players. 

Sligo Rovers CEO Colin Feehily added: “Danny is a hugely-respected coach and was highly-regarded by everyone at the club. 

“It is no coincidence that Danny was leading the early days of both our men’s and women’s youth teams and now they are elevating in all aspects every year. 

“He has been at the forefront of developing some of the players now in the senior men’s team by heading up youth development and taking on two teams in the last year with the women’s side. 

“He has laid tremendous ground work and I know that the staff here and the management committee of the club are very grateful. We wish him success in his new position.” 

Sligo Rovers head of academy Conor O’Grady said: “Danny has been a huge influence in the club in the last number of years in various roles and has done so largely behind the scenes with a lot of dedication. 

“As he takes up the position with the FAI, I would like to thank him for being a popular figure at the club among our young players and with his fellow coaches and friends here. 

“I have no doubt we will work closely because of his new role in the region and I look forward to it because it’s a pleasure to do so.”

The new manager of the Women’s Under-19 side will be announced shortly.

Sligo Rovers have today published a detailed Masterplan, including a proposed multi-million euro redevelopment of the Showgrounds stadium with the creation of an academy hub for the north-west region of the country.

Click here to download the Masterplan

The Masterplan presents infrastructural design proposals for the future of Rovers both at our home in the Showgrounds and a potential academy site

There is also a detailed analysis of the economic, social and financial impact that the proposed development could have on the club, the county and beyond, as well as the footballing impact.

The plan has been endorsed by Sligo County Council and the Football Association of Ireland.

The redeveloped Showgrounds would have a seated capacity of 6,000, surpassing all the requirements of a UEFA Category 3 stadium.

It includes the retention of the existing Tracey Avenue Stand and Railway End Stand, with alterations to both, the construction of a new stand at the Church Hill Road End and a new stand in place of the current Jinks Avenue Stand.

New floodlights, turnstiles, hospitality spaces, shops, corporate and sponsors facilities, offices, meeting rooms, upgraded media facilities, multiple changing rooms and a gym would be part of the redevelopment.

The Showgrounds pitch would be extended and the playing surface changed to a hybrid pitch, an innovation that comprises 95% natural grass and delivers more playing time.

The total cost of the overall project as complied by Rhatigan Architects is €17.3million. 

A provisional agreement with Sligo Rugby to facilitate games in the redeveloped Showgrounds has been reached, with the club keen to open up the facilities for community. The Bit O’ Red are also willing to host provincial matches for regional use for the betterment of north-west sport. 

The Masterplan reflects the club’s ambition to expand, as well as trying to maximise the potential of the north-west area to develop more local and international footballers.

This season over 50% of the registered Sligo Rovers first-team squad has been developed from the academy, with an average of 40% in each matchday squad. The club set to climb to second place in the SSE Airtricty League this week.

Through this development, and the growth of commercial areas of the football club, Sligo Rovers aim to greatly enhance the opportunities for future generations of young male and female footballers and increase employment in the football industry in Ireland.

This Masterplan defines the direction of Sligo Rovers as a community owned club and is centrally focused on enhancing the match day experience for fans. Outside of matchday, a pavilion and plaza area outside of the Showgrounds would include space for cafes, restaurants, meeting space and business units. 

The club are actively seeking land within the Sligo area for the development of a home for the expanding Sligo Rovers academy.

Preliminary discussions have taken place with Sligo County Council and a site in the region of eight acres is desired to cater for the needs of the expanding size of the club.

The proposed Academy base would have three playing pitches with associated dugouts, as well as a single storey building containing dressing rooms and other facilities.

The club aims to expand the number of teams under the Sligo Rovers badge to 13 by the middle of this decade and the creation of home is seen as key in order to create a pathway for children to be active and achieve in sport.

Rhatigan Architects were appointed in June to prepare this Masterplan for Sligo Rovers.  Sligo Rovers secured the funding to create the Masterplan from Sligo LEADER. The Sligo LEADER Partnership delivers a range of programmes on behalf of local and national government that focuses on enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities in County Sligo. Sligo LEADER made it possible to publish the plan of which the club are very grateful.

Speaking at the unveiling of the masterplan, club chairman Tommy Higgins said: “Today we present a vision that has been created not just over the last year but through the growth and enhancement of the club in its modern existence. 

“We see unlimited potential in Sligo Rovers Football Club. Today the football represents a beacon and focal point of the community, something we have worked tirelessly to achieve.

“We also have a youth set-up which is developing countless footballers going on to play senior League of Ireland football each year, while still being in its infancy. Prior to Covid-19, we had 11 players involved with Ireland at underage level during one calendar year and our desire is to invest further in the area.

“In the future we want to develop a facility that can raise standards even further across the board.

“That is by improving football players through investment in coaching, teams and the experience of the supporter to enhance our attendance figures.

“As a community club we also seek to bring further benefits to our local economy and provide the opportunity to young boys aspiring to become the next Seamus Coleman to live out their dream, and for girls who need more front of house women wearing the Bit O’ Red of Sligo Rovers as soon as possible.”

Sligo County Council acting chief executive, Tom Kilfeather, said: “Sligo County Council commends Sligo Rovers on the preparation of their Masterplan for the Sligo Showgrounds.

“Sligo Rovers are a valued presence in our community, and since the club     was established in 1928, their grounds have been available for a range of other sports and activities.

“Throughout its history it has welcomed people from all countries and backgrounds, this tradition and ethos reflecting the cultural diversity of Sligo over the 20^th century.

“The transformation of the ground under the Masterplan would be a major enhancement of the recreational offering in Sligo, and will be a landmark achievement for the club and the wider community.

“Sligo County Council fully supports Sligo Rovers Management Committee in the delivery of the objectives set out in the Masterplan.”

FAI chief executive Jonathan Hill added: “We talk a lot about football in the community, not just here in Ireland but across the globe, and Sligo Rovers are standard bearers in this regard.

“I am delighted to see the range of this Development Plan which reflects the club’s standing in the Sligo community in a fitting manner. Such development is a cornerstone of our vision for the future of all our League of Ireland clubs. Well done to all involved with this project.”

Walter Holleran, FAI head of facility development, has promised to support the plan: “This ambitious Development Plan from Sligo Rovers clearer shows a footballing venue can be more than just a playing field for 22 players. Great credit must go to all involved to Sligo Rovers for their approach and visionary concept. The FAI unanimously supports this development plan and will continue to support its progress into development.”

Further reaction to the Masterplan is available here.

Sligo Rovers will host supporter events around the Masterplan at a later date.

Mayor of Sligo, Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady has welcomed the publishing of the Sligo Rovers Masterplan today.

The initial announcement was made early this morning.

Click here to download the Masterplan

Mayor O’Grady added: “I would like to congratulate the Management Committee of Sligo Rovers on the launch of their MasterPlan for the Showgrounds

“The outstanding progress Sligo Rovers are making on and off the field this year is a great source of pride for the club’s supporters and the wider community.

“Over recent years the Showgrounds has been transformed into one of the finest league venues in the country, and the new Masterplan brings this ambition to a new level.

“We have an exciting journey ahead of us: The prospect of European football, the very positive start to the 2021 league campaign, and the roll out of the initial phases of this outstanding Masterplan

“The Showgrounds has been at the heart of our community for generations, and the vision outlined in this Plan will secure this wonderful facility for generations to come.”

FAI League of Ireland director Mark Scanlon has also commented: “Sligo Rovers have long been one of the great clubs in the history of League of Ireland football and the passion and commitment which their players show on the pitch has always been matched by their supporters and stakeholders off it.

“This development plan carries on the great community involvement tradition at Sligo Rovers and will, I am sure, act as a prototype for clubs across the country. I look forward to seeing come to fruition in the coming years. Congratulations to all concerned.”

Rovers chairman Higgins continued: “I’m thankful to both Sligo County Council and the FAI for the assistance as the masterplan was conducted, as well as the sub-committee here in The Showgrounds and the fantastic team at Rhaitgan Architects.

“We have known our short-term and long-term targets at Sligo Rovers for quite some time. Today we have all of those aspirations contained in the Masterplan.

“We hope our own supporters and anyone connected to sport and the community here in Sligo shares the excitement and desire that we have today. It is our intention to bring all of the elements of the Masterplan to fruition.”

Rory Raftery, member of the Executive Committee of Sligo Rugby Club, has spoken warmly on his sport coming to the home of football in Sligo, which is referenced in the Masterplan: “On behalf of Sligo Rugby Club we would like to very much express our continued interest in the use of the facilities in The Showgrounds for the sport of rugby.

“While we have developed our own playing facilities at Hamilton Park, Strandhill, we are somewhat limited in terms of the size of the venue to attract considerable viewing numbers. We have previously explored the possibility of hosting a Connacht senior provincial game at The Showgrounds and we continue to do so moving forward. Not just a senior provincial game but there is considerable potential for a Connacht Junior game, ladies game, underage finals, Sligo RFC Connacht senior cup final game or even an All-Ireland League Bateman Cup semi-final/final, perhaps even an IRFU Ireland U20’s fixture, following the success of the FAI Under-21 games held at The Showgrounds.

“To this end, we lend our full support to the development of the Showgrounds with a potential use of the ground at some point in the future for rugby. We are very thankful to Sligo Rovers for reaching out to Sligo RFC to explore the potential use of the ground as and for the very welcoming and inclusive manner in which this has happened.”

Last year Sligo Rovers appointed a five-person committee to engage with Rhatigan Architects as they undertook a host of supporter and community studies.

The committee included Tommy Higgins, Mark Cummins and Roddy Murphy of the Sligo Rovers Management Committee, Gerard O’Connor of the Bit O’ Red Supporters Trust and Ivor Parke, former committee member during our 2012 league-winning season and long-time volunteer.

Rhatigan Architects is a design-driven practice, specialising in community, workspace, residential, heathcare and education buildings. With over 80 years in practice, their team of 22, led by three directors, provides quality design and delivers robust buildings for all of our clients. They deliver beautiful, efficient, sustainable buildings and settings, emphasising daylight, natural ventilation, renewable energy and materials.

Rhatigan Architects were delighted to be given the opportunity to work in conjunction with Sligo Rovers on the development of the Masterplan for the Showgrounds.

Director Gavin Phelan notes “We recognise that Sligo Rovers football club is an important part of the DNA of Sligo Town and see this landmark development as a means of enhancing this social connection with the people of Sligo. The proposed designs strive to achieve the highest standards for supporters and team alike – adding to the atmosphere and overall experience on matchdays, whilst also developing the grounds in a manner which enhances community facilities locally.

“One of the key aims of the project has been, in conjunction with the upgrade of the stadium and pitch facilities to a contemporary 6,000 seat capacity arena, to develop stronger relationships with community – which shall be achieved with the development of the new public plaza at the entrance to the site.”

A sub-committee will now be appointed by the Sligo Rovers Management Committee to bring forward the Masterplan. Further updates will be issued in due course.

Download the Sligo Rovers Masterplan here

Sligo Rovers wish to advise supporters that this Saturday’s match with Wateroford will not proceed as the opposition can not play the fixture.

The matter will go to the FAI Disciplinary Unit next week.

Our next game is Friday 21 May vs Longford Town.

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce the details of the 2021 Summer Camps, which will take place over eight weeks from June 28^th until August 20^th.

The camps are kindly sponsored again by The Sligo Champion.

In line with government restrictions, the camps will operate at a reduced capacity similar to last year.

The camp will run from 10.30am until 3pm daily (Monday-Friday) at The Showgrounds astro facility.

The cost of the camp is €70 for one child, €120 for two children from the one family and €170 for three children from the one family.

The Breakfast Club will not take place this Summer.

Every child that participates will receive an official Sligo Rovers training top along with a certificate from the club.

All bookings for the camp must be completed online via www.srfcdirect.com.

Speaking at the launch, camp co-ordinator, Shane Crossan spoke of his delighted with the camps going ahead this Summer.

He added “It’s been a turbulent year so far for children and I’m delighted that we (Sligo Rovers) are in a position to return some form of normality back into their lives. It’s an exciting time for everyone involved and I cannot wait to welcome everyone back into The Showgrounds again. I’d also like to pay tribute to everyone in The Sligo Champion for their sponsorship of the camps yet again, it’s fantastic to have such a strong local brand on board”.

Lorraine McDonnell, General Manager of The Sligo Champion added “The last year has been a challenging time for everyone and getting life back to some form of normality is of huge benefit to us all. That is why these Summer Camps play a strong role in returning you and your children to some normality. We are very proud to be once again sponsoring ‘Sligo Rovers Summer Camps’ we’re delighted to be associated with Sligo Rovers, one of Sligo’s greatest brands. The success of the camps could not happen without the hard work and commitment of everyone involved in running these camps; so well done to all and here’s to another successful year.”

With limited spaces available each week, parents are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

For more information on the Sligo Rovers Summer Camps, you can email shane@sligorovers.com.

Declan Boyle is the new Sligo Rovers Under-19 manager, the club can confirm.

Boyle, a former player and part of the club’s 1994 FAI Cup winning team, joins the club following the departure of Brian Dorrian.

Boyle has worked in the Finn Harps academy as Under-17 manager. He led the side to a league and cup double in the 2018 season.

Sligo Rovers head of academy Conor O’Grady said: “We’re delighted to welcome Declan back to the club. He is a very high calibre appointment.

“His record in football, from playing to coaching and work with underage players, is of the highest quality. He ticks all the boxes for us.

“It’s not an easy task to replace Brian who I want to thank because he has been a fantastic coach here and also a great colleague and friend. It’s great for him to get the post in Donegal.

“Declan takes his first training session tonight and I think he’ll make a big impact at the club. The Under-19 team are going to really benefit from what he brings.”

Boyle: “I’m thrilled to become the Under-19s manager. It’s a great opportunity.

“There are great support mechanisms in place at the club and Conor has been brilliant to work with.

“Having been part of the emerging talent programme in Mayo, I know a lot of the current Under-19 team and players in the other groups.

“I enjoyed the time at Harps and having spent two years out, it’s a great time to take the role here.

“It is all about developing and improving young players. You only have to look at the players who have come through the set-up at Sligo Rovers in the last few years. I hope to continue that and try to improve every player we have in the group.”

The club can also announce further appointments. Aaron O’Connor, formerly of Warrenpoint Town and Boyle Celtic, is the new manager of the Women’s Under-17 side.

Brian Morahan, a Uefa A Licence goalkeeping coach, is the new head of goalkeeping in the academy.

O’Grady added: “Aaron and Brian are two more top-class additions. They both bring a lot of experience and I think they will make a seamless transition into working with our players.”

This season will also see a number of first-team players working with the academy teams. Garry Buckley, Greg Bolger, Lewis Banks and Niall Morahan will each work with one male team, while Scott Lynch will work with the Women’s Under-19 side.

O’Grady has also welcomed Emma Hansberry and Stacey Muldowney into the coaching set-up for the two women’s teams.

He added: “Emma and Stacey are important figures in female sport in Sligo. They’re going to be role models and examples to some of the girls in the academy.

“They have a lot of experience and we want to develop their coaching attributes too when working under Danny and Aaron. The women’s area is a key growth area for the club and we have plans to expand it in the next year.

“We have to develop female coaches too because girls not only deserve older mentors and to learn from their experiences, but we also need female coaches to be leading figures too in time. Emma and Stacey will be influential going forward we hope.”   

Men’s teams:

Under-19s: Declan Boyle

Under-17s: Ryan Casey

Under-15s: Paul Masterson and Marcel Gordon

Under-14s: Alan Farry

Women’s teams:

Under-19s: Danny O’Leary

Under-17s: Aaron O’Connor

View a selection of images from Friday night’s win over Dundalk in the SSE Airtricity League by James Fallon.