Sligo Rovers are delighted to confirm the signing of attacking player Jordan Gibson for the 2021 season.
The 22-year-old, formerly of Bradford City and Stevenage FC, spent the second part of last season with St Patrick’s Athletic and impressed in Inchicore, featuring in every league game.
Rovers boss Liam Buckley has moved to bring Gibson to Sligo to become the 14th signing for 2021.
Speaking to www.sligorovers.com this afternoon, Gibson said:
“It’s an exciting time for me. It was quite early when the call came from the gaffer. To be honest, I did want to go back to England.
“But he really sold the club to me. I spoke to other people who played at the club and players under Liam Buckley and they all spoke very highly of him
“I’ve spoken with him a lot in the last few weeks. I spoke to him about my position and things like that and I feel I’m more comfortable in central areas whether that is number 8 in midfield, 10 behind the striker. I also enjoy coming in from the left.
“It was good to get 15 games with St Pat’s. The only thing is by the time I was really up and running, the season was basically over. Hopefully this season I can get a good amount of games and help Sligo challenge for honours and play in Europe.
“I’ve had time at home with my family and friends here in England. It is important to spend time with them when you can in this pandemic. I’ve had that time and I’m ready to come back to football, work hard and go places now.
“Having a manager that believes in you and wants to sign you pretty badly, which Liam Buckley did, that was a big factor in my decision.
“The last three seasons for me have been substitute appearances or a few starts here and there in League 1 and League 2 until I went to St Pat’s.
“That was the first time I had a run of starts, 10 starts, and I was just getting going and starting to score goals. Then the season was over. Having that belief from the gaffer, I have to repay that faith for a whole season now.
“I’m more than comfortable in any attacking position. Even at Bradford I played that central role in midfield where even defensively I felt I did well where it was more box-to-box. I feel I can add more goals and get assists in my games. But I’m more than happy to play left, right or central and wherever the gaffer wants me to play.”
Manager Liam Buckley said: “Jordan did really well with St Pat’s. The staff and I were across every game last season on WATCHLOI and he was one which caught our eye.
“He’s a good age at 22, he’s quick, has a great attitude and can play across the front three. There is a lot more to come from him.
“Last season was the first time he had a run of games and in a full season we can see the best of Jordan Gibson.
“I think he’s a player the supporters here will appreciate and he’ll be an asset to us. We are trying to hand pick the players we want in the group and Jordan is one we feel will fit into how we want to play.
“I’m looking forward to bringing him here for the start of pre-season and the opportunity will be there for him to take.”
Buckley said of his ongoing recruitment: “This is another good signing for the group. We are still in the market for the attacking area and some others as well.
“There are some players from the group last season who remain in discussions and the process is ongoing.
“We feel we’ve made good progress and we’re getting stronger. Pre-season will be later than we originally were looking at now that the season will not start until March.
“We’ll also add one or two of our scholarship and academy players to the senior group as well as we do each year. We’re looking forward to getting back on the pitch as soon as we can.”