Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce the signing of John Mahon on a permanent basis from St. Johnstone until the end of the 2024 SSE Airtricity Premier Division season.
Mahon had been a big part of the club’s success in qualifying for European football from the 2020 and 2021 seasons before joining the Scottish Premiership side last January, months after being named Sligo Rovers’ Player of The Year from the 2021 season.
The Sligo born defender returns to The Bit O’ Red today and will join up with his Rovers team-mates over the weekend as they continue preparations for the new 2023 season.
Manager John Russell is delighted to secure Mahon’s signature:
‘’I’m excited with the signing of John Mahon.
‘’John has turned down much larger financial packages in order to return to Sligo Rovers but, this clearly demonstrates his loyalty, commitment and his love for the club.
‘’John has come up through the academy here and he knows the league well having put in some outstanding performances before making his move to Scotland last year.
‘’Being a proper defender, John is aggressive in and out of possession. He has a warrior mentality – he leaves everything on the pitch which I know the fans appreciate.
‘’John hasn’t played a lot of football in the last 12 months so it’s important we are patient and help him regain his fitness, sharpness and confidence. There is no doubting his quality.
‘’I know from our conversations he is looking forward to joining the group, working hard and getting back enjoying his football.
‘’I’m sure the fans will be excited about John’s return’’.
Shamrock Rovers are the visitors to The Showgrounds on Saturday February 18th and with the game expected to be a sell-out, the club are advising supporters who do not have a season ticket to get yours now online via www.srfcdirect.com or at The Showgrounds office.
The match will be an all-ticket game with tickets expected to go on sale from The Showgrounds in the next fortnight for a game that could be a second debut for Mahon, who is thrilled to be back home with his boyhood club:
‘’I am absolutely delighted to be back at Sligo Rovers today.
‘’It has been a tough few months for me and, I was delighted to know the club wanted me back.
‘’The moment I started speaking to John I knew it was the best move for me as from working with him in the past I know he will give me a chance and opportunity to play football.
‘’The season is just a few weeks away and I’m already looking forward to the opening game against Shams.
‘’I am happy to be home and back where I belong and to continue where I left off last year. There is some unfinished business and, I can’t wait to get going”
Mahon first joined Rovers as an Under 17 squad from his local side Ballisodare United. He then progressed through to the Under 19 team before signing his first professional contract in 2017 after making his first-team debut against St. Patrick’s Athletic at The Showgrounds.
The big central defender has already made over 90 appearances for the club and will be part of John Russell’s squad who travel to play Stoke City and Nottingham Forrest next weekend in England.
Mahon will return and wear the number 21 shirt, a number he wore before his departure.
The best chance you have to watch his second debut will be by buying your 2023 Sligo Rovers season ticket today.