Sligo Rovers can confirm that John Russell has signed a new contract with the club for 2020, continuing in his role as player-assistant manager.

The 34-year-old joined the club for his third spell last year, this time joining the management staff as assistant to Liam Buckley.

He made 10 appearances throughout the year.

It means both Buckley and Russell are contracted until the end of 2020.

Liam Buckley said: “John has been veru influential in the last 12 months and is a vital part of the staff.

“He is hugely respected at the club and rightly so because of what he has achieved as a player, and now what he is bringing as an assistant manager on a daily basis.

“He understands the football club and challenges the players to become better every single day. He is a great sounding board to me, his knowledge and wealth of talent is invaluable so I’m delighted with this news.

“We also retain him as a player. At 34 I still think he has a lot to offer and we saw him step in last year and do well.

“If you could see him in pre-season now, he is as fit as you will get. It’s a no-brainer again to have him available to play.”