Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that Cara Jordan has joined the Bit O’Red ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season. The 24-year-old left winger arrives from the United States, becoming the third overseas signing for the squad this season following Sydney Stephens and Manu Baptista Filipe.

Originally from Connecticut, CJ developed her game through the Sporting CT and UConn sporting systems. She went on to represent the University of Connecticut while completing degrees in Exercise Science and Physics. During her time with Sporting CT, she played a key role in helping the side claim the 2025 WPSL National Championship, highlighting her influence at a competitive level.

CJ is a versatile and driven winger who thrives when involved in the play and creating opportunities for her teammates. She enjoys taking on defenders, linking up in attack, and contributing in the final third with creativity and flair.

“I’m really looking forward to getting going at Sligo Rovers,” CJ said. “The girls have been so welcoming and helpful. I like having freedom in the final third and being creative. I’m competitive and want to win things here with Rovers.”

On moving to Ireland, she added:
“I’ve been living with Damien and Mairead and they have been incredible, helping me settle in from day one. Arriving in Ireland, I didn’t know anyone, but I instantly connected with Sydney and Manu. We travelled together, explored the town, and quickly became close friends, which has made the transition so much easier. I love Sligo. It’s a beautiful town with friendly people and it already feels like home.”

Rovers manager Gavin Hughes said CJ has already impressed with her attitude and influence in training.

“CJ stands out for her work ethic and drive to improve every session,” Hughes said. “She communicates well, supports her teammates, and brings energy to every drill. She’s confident on the ball and looks to make the players around her better. That mindset will be important as we continue building the squad.”

On how CJ will connect with supporters, Hughes added:
“She’s committed, approachable, and passionate about the game. That enthusiasm will show on matchdays and in the way she represents the club. I have no doubt our fans will quickly take to her.”

With the addition of Cara Jordan, the squad now stands at twenty-one players ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season, joining earlier signings Abby Rooney, Ava Hallinan, Alice Lillie, Bonnie McKiernan, Emma Duffy, Leah Kelly, Anna McDaniel, Kelsey McQuillan, Rachel McGoldrick, Katie Melly, Emma Hansberry, Keela Scanlon, Ciara Henry, Cara King, Jessica Casey, Alana Doherty, Keeva Flynn, Ivana McMahon, Sydney Stephens, and Manu Baptista Filipe.

Jack Dempsey

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that Manu Baptista Filipe has joined the Bit O’Red ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season. The 23-year-old midfielder arrives at the Showgrounds following her time in the United States, where she combined her studies with a strong collegiate football career.

Originally from Porto, Manu developed her game at Sporting Clube de Braga, progressing through the club’s academy system between 2017 and 2020. During her development years, she also gained recognition at U16 underage international level, taking part in Portugal national training camps and highlighting her potential from an early age.

Manu later relocated to the United States to continue both her football and education in the collegiate system. She completed a degree in International Business and a Master’s in Education while competing at a high level of college football.

Reflecting on the challenges of moving abroad, Manu said:
“When I arrived in the United States, I didn’t speak English, so it was a tough adjustment. Covid was at its peak when I moved, which made it even more challenging. I had to quarantine for ten days when I arrived, and I remember thinking, ‘What am I doing here?’ It wasn’t until my first training session that I felt at home.”

Manu now continues her football journey in Ireland, bringing versatility and intelligence to the Sligo Rovers midfield. A right-footed midfielder, she enjoys being on the ball, linking play, and initiating attacks from deeper areas.

“I like to be involved in the game as much as possible. I enjoy short passing, give-and-go movements, and playing under pressure. I like to help start attacks and contribute on set pieces. I work hard, I am adaptable, and I like to communicate on the pitch. I always want to help the players around me improve.”

On her decision to join Sligo Rovers, Manu highlighted both the football opportunity and her early impressions of the town and club:
“I’m really excited to get going at Sligo Rovers. I’ve only been in Sligo a few days, but I love it already. It’s a cosy town, and you can see the love for football straight away. The people have been so welcoming, which has made the move easier.”

A familiar coaching connection also influenced her return to Europe.
“Ciaran Fadden was my assistant coach when I was in America, so we always kept in touch. I was interested in coming back to Europe, and when the opportunity arose, it felt like the right move for me.”

Rovers manager Gavin Hughes believes Manu will bring strong technical quality and tactical awareness to the squad.

“Manu stood out during recruitment because of her composure on the ball and her ability to influence games from midfield. From her early training sessions, you can see her understanding of space, her work rate, and her constant involvement in play.”

Hughes also highlighted how her style fits the team’s philosophy:
“She suits the way we want to play. She is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, keeps possession moving, and has the vision to link defence and attack. Players with that level of awareness are extremely valuable.”

Off the pitch, Hughes expects Manu to positively influence the squad environment:
“She is a strong communicator and has already integrated well with the group. She brings energy, positivity, and enthusiasm, which will be important as we continue to build a competitive and supportive environment at Sligo Rovers.”

With the addition of Manu Baptista Filipe, the squad now stands at twenty players ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season, joining earlier signings Abby Rooney, Ava Hallinan, Alice Lillie, Bonnie McKiernan, Emma Duffy, Leah Kelly, Anna McDaniel, Kelsey McQuillan, Rachel McGoldrick, Katie Melly, Emma Hansberry, Keela Scanlon, Ciara Henry, Cara King, Jessica Casey, Alana Doherty, Keeva Flynn, Ivana McMahon, and Sydney Stephens.

Jack Dempsey

Sligo Rovers are thrilled to announce that Sydney Stephens has joined the Bit O’Red ahead of the new season. The 23-year-old arrives at the Showgrounds after completing her Master’s in Sports Management at the University of Illinois, where she combined her academic studies with an impressive collegiate football career with Illinois Soccer.

Sydney joins Sligo Rovers as a midfielder with a reputation for creativity and vision on the pitch. She was a regular starter for the University of Illinois women’s soccer team and made significant contributions in goals and assists while balancing her studies. Alongside her playing career, she has also pursued coaching, completing a grassroots licence to prepare for the future.

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Sydney described her excitement at joining the club and her decision to move to Ireland:

“After my college season finished, I looked at different opportunities to continue developing my game, and Ireland really stood out as a place where I could focus fully on football at a high level. Sligo Rovers showed belief in me and offered the right environment to keep improving, so I’m really excited to get started here.”

Sydney has built a reputation as a creative and intelligent midfielder. She reads the game well, can dictate play from the centre of the pitch, and brings vision, energy, and enthusiasm to the team.

“I like to think I’m a natural leader. I’ve always been the centre of the pitch, so communication naturally comes back to me. I enjoy having the game played through me. I’m creative, comfortable on both feet, and I can play across the pitch, including the wings. I’d rather set up a goal than score one myself. I work hard and give everything on the pitch, and I think speed is a big part of my game. Off the pitch, I like to be vocal too, an engine. Growing up, we always had a mentor for younger players, so that leadership has been ingrained in me, and now I want to role model the way I was guided.”

Her football education began in the St Louis Scott Gallagher academy, where she spent her formative years learning both on and off the pitch. The club instilled in her core values that have stayed with her throughout her career: tradition, passion, humility, respect, and unity.

“I was born and raised in Waterloo, Illinois, and I’ve been playing football as long as I can remember. I completed a Master’s in Sports Management at the University of Illinois because I want to play football for as long as humanly possible and eventually become a coach. I’ve also completed a grassroots coaching licence to give myself every advantage. My time at St Louis Scott Gallagher taught me everything I need to know about culture, core values, and being a team player – tradition, passion, humility, respect, and unity – and those lessons have stuck with me throughout my career.”

Sydney has quickly settled into life at the Showgrounds and praised the welcoming environment from club staff and teammates.

“The move to Sligo has been really welcoming. Damian and Mairead Grimes have been incredibly supportive, and I don’t know what I would have done without their guidance. Gavin Hughes and his staff have also been fantastic. The standards here are high, and no one is guaranteed a place, so we all have to work hard and give everything for the team and the girls.”

Rovers manager Gavin Hughes is confident that Sydney will make an immediate impact both on and off the pitch.

“Sydney is a technically gifted player who brings creativity, speed, and intelligence to every session,” Hughes said. “She’s a natural leader and already commands respect in training. Her experience at a high level of college football, combined with her mentality and professionalism, make her a perfect fit for the squad.”

He added that her influence extends beyond her on-field contributions.

“Off the pitch, Sydney has the character and leadership qualities we value. She understands what it means to be part of a group and is already mentoring some of the younger players. That attitude will be crucial as we continue to build the culture here at Sligo Rovers.”

With Sydney Stephens’ arrival, the squad now numbers nineteen players for the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season, following the earlier signings of Abby Rooney, Ava Hallinan, Alice Lillie, Bonnie McKiernan, Emma Duffy, Leah Kelly, Anna McDaniel, Kelsey McQuillan, Rachel McGoldrick, Katie Melly, Emma Hansberry, Keela Scanlon, Ciara Henry, Cara King, Jessica Casey, Alana Doherty, Keeva Flynn, and Ivana McMahon.

Jack Dempsey

Bohemians hit Sligo Rovers for four at the Showgrounds as the Bit O’Red struggled through a night to forget in horrific wintry conditions in the north west.

Colm Whelan hit a second half hat-trick for a strong Bohs side, after Dayle Rooney had fired the visitors into the lead early on.

The defeat leaves Rovers at the foot of the table with just two games played ahead of trips to Waterford and Galway.

Rovers boss John Russell gave first starts at the Showgrounds to new signings Jeannot Esua, Alex Nolan and Mai Traore who was cleared to take part following visa issues which saw him miss the opening night in Derry.

It took just 90 seconds for Bohs to hit the lead through Rooney, while Whelan hit a 13 minute hat-trick.

Eager to now put this result beyond them, Rovers move on to next Friday and the journey to the RSC to face Waterford.

Match sponsor: Snug Bar, Sligo.

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Jeanot Esua, Gareth McElroy (Shane Blaney HT), Ollie Denham, Will Fitzgerald; Alex Nolan (Sean Stewart 75), Seb Quirk, Daire Patton (Archie Meekison 75), Ryan O’Kane; Jad Hakiki (Cian Kavanagh 63); Mai Traore.

Bohemians: Kacper Chorazka; Senan Mullen, Patrick Hickey, Sam Todd; Darragh Power (Cian Byrne 81), Jordan Flores (Niall Morahan 76), Dawson Devoy, Dayle Rooney; Ross Tierney (Harry Vaughan 81); Douglas James-Taylor (Hugh Martin 69), Colm Whelan (Adam McDonnell 76). 

Referee: Alan Patchell.

Attendance: 2,754.

Sligo Rovers can confirm that, following discussions with Sligo County Council, the following public car parks are available to match-going supporters on match nights:

• Adelaide Street Car Park
• Wine Street Car Park
• Quay Street
• Summerhill College area
• Mitchell Curley Park, Kevinsfort
• Market Yard

These car parks are free of charge from 6pm and are all within a few minutes’ walk of the Showgrounds.

The club’s astro pitch car park is also available on a first-come, first-served basis and there are spaces available in Nazareth House.

Supporters are asked to please respect local areas when parking, as the stadium is situated in a highly populated area.

Parking on footpaths is strictly forbidden, and An Garda Síochána will have traffic management measures in place, along with bollards positioned in areas where street parking is prohibited.

League of Ireland Premier Division action returns to the Showgrounds this Saturday evening as Sligo Rovers take on Bohemians in what is our senior men’s side’s first home league game this year.

Saturday’s game is sponsored by the Snug Bar in Queen Maeve’s Square.

16-weeks have elapsed since our last home game, a draw with Cork City in which Alex Nolan scored the visitors’ only goal of the game. Now with Rovers, Nolan is one several new faces looking to make their Showgrounds bow this weekend. 

Rovers go into this game with Bohs on the back of a late defeat to Derry City on the opening night at the Brandywell last week. It was a disappointing but hugely encouraging start for the Bit O’Red who went toe-to-toe and indeed bettered the Candystripes for large parts of the game.

Rovers boss John Russell is hopeful that Mai Traore will be available for his debut on Saturday. The Guinean striker missed the trip to Derry due to an administration issue, with the club working to resolve this as quickly as possible. 

As of Friday morning, midfielder Carl McHugh faces a late fitness test. While defender Conor Reynolds looks set to miss out with a knock.

Goalkeeper Liam Hughes returns having recovered from a shoulder injury. 

Opponents Bohs began their 2026 story with a somewhat underwhelming scoreless draw with St Pat’s at the Aviva Stadium last Sunday afternoon. The marquee opening weekend fixture failed to live up to expectations, but Alan Reynolds’ men did create the better of the chances in this one. 

“They were probably the unluckier side in that one”, Russell says. 

“The Pat’s keeper pulled off a few really good stops and you feel that had even one of those chances gone in, it may have been enough to win the game. 

“Bohs again have a deep squad, full of talent and they can mix up the way they play. They’ll be coming up here on Saturday looking for a win. We’re really looking forward to getting going at the Showgrounds.”

Russell was greatly encouraged by last week’s performance and has called on his players to keep momentum going for the opening match in Sligo. 

“We were annoyed not to come away with at least a point from Derry. But analysing it, we have plenty to be enthused by. We were the better team in the first half.

“Second half, we had to switch things around and lost a few players with injury and cramp. We were well organised until they scored their first and couldn’t hold out. But there were some really encouraging signs and some very notable individual performances, especially from our new players. 

“We’re only 90 minutes into the season so it will take a little time to further build connections. It’s the same for everyone, regardless. 

“We’re in a good place and in an excellent frame of mind going into Saturday. The players are raring now and we’re looking to bring that energy, particularly from the first hour of last week’s game into this one.” 

Kick-off at the Showgrounds is 7.45pm.

David Goulden 

Sligo Rovers’ trojan effort came to nothing at the Ryan McBride Brandywell on Friday night as the Bit O’Red suffered the bitter taste of conceding an injury time winner to Derry City.

Jad Hakiki had given Rovers a more than deserved lead on the half hour in this, the opening night of 2026.

And while Sam Sargeant pulled of a few stunning stops to keep one of the title favourites at bay, the pressure told eight minutes from time when Alex Bannon levelled the game before Josh Thomas fired home the winner for Tiernan Lynch’s side in injury time.

Sligo boss John Russell gave debuts to both Alex Nolan and Jeannot Esua, both of whom impressed on their first competitive showings. While Ryan O’Kane featured for the first time following his permanent switch from Shelbourne. Sligo man and Abbvie Academy graduate Daire Patton was handed just his second senior start in the heart of midfield beside Seb Quirk.

New signings Archie Meekison and Shane Blaney made the bench, while Mai Traore was unavailable for selection. 

A star-studded Derry too were showcasing several debuts, with main attractions Patrick and James McClean making their first league starts since their respective returns to Foyleside.

The visitors showed no signs of early jitters at a sold-out Brandywell, as Rovers went at Derry in the first period and indeed it would be argued, were the better side. 

Quirk lashed an early effort wide of Brian Maher’s goal as wingers O’Kane and Nolan tested Derry’s resolve out wide. While Hakiki’s movement and determination offered a constant threat coming through the middle. 

The Dubliner played the key role on 30 as Rovers struck for the opening goal. 

Hakiki was given the freedom of the Derry penalty area by the slumbering Patrick McClean. The once Dundalk attacker allowed to calmly turn Esua’s wonderful first-time cross past the bewildered Maher. 

Nolan kept Maher busy with an effort from distance 90 seconds later as Rovers remained in charge. 

While Sargeant had to pull off his first meaningful stop of the night on 33 minutes when he smothered Thomas in time to force the Welshman to loop his close-range effort onto the roof of the Rovers net.

The hosts enjoyed the better of things in terms of possession and opportunities in the second period. Roared on by 400 of our own at the car park end of the ground, the visitors did enough to keep Derry scoreless for the majority of the second half.

Debutant James Clarke nodded James McClean’s corner over Sargeant’s goal on 55. While the Londoner was called to arms two minutes later as he got a leg to Thomas’ low drive. 

Again our net minder was questioned and again he came up with an answer when Sargeant skillfully and acrobatically tipped Carl Winchester’s long-range shot onto the frame of his own goal. 

Derry continued to probe as Rovers, now playing without a recognised striker due to the departure of starting front man Cian Kavanagh, then lost O’Kane to a knock.  

Despite the endless toil from Sligo, the pressure finally told eight minutes from time. 

Bannon took a touch to take play away from the attending Quirk before unleashing an unstoppable rocket into the top corner. While momentum pushed the title chasers across the line as Thomas slotted the ball home from the angle in the first of the seven added minutes. 

A disappointing end to an encouraging first night for a young Rovers. Next up is our first home league game this Saturday, February 14th as Bohs visit the Showgrounds. 

Derry City: Brian Maher; Alex Bannon, Patrick McClean, Rob Slevin, Brandon Fleming; Darragh Markey (Adam O’Reilly, 59’), Carl Winchester, James McClean, Michael Duffy (C); James Clarke, Josh Thomas.

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Jeannot Esua, Ollie Denham, Gareth McElroy, Will Fitzgerald (C); Seb Quirk, Daire Patton (Ciaron Harkin, 80’); Alex Nolan, Jad Hakiki (Kyle McDonagh, 80’), Ryan O’Kane (Sean Stewart, 66’); Cian Kavanagh (Archie Meekison, 59’).

Referee: Neil Doyle

David Goulden at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Updated: 06.02.2026

Away Supporters travelling to fixtures versus Derry City in The Ryan McBride Brandywell

Stadium are advised to note the following important information from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) which is in addition to all other standard legislation related to supporters, as well as stadium regulations etc.:

Pyrotechnics:

• In line with the Justice Act (Northern Ireland, 2011), it is a specific offence to possess a firework (which can include flares) at a sporting fixture or anywhere from which you can view the fixture.
• Where grounds exist the PSNI can search persons or vehicles for fireworks at any location in Northern Ireland, and the possession of fireworks without a licence is an offence under the Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations (Northern Ireland, 2002).
  There is a maximum fine of £5,000, a three-month prison sentence, or both.

Alcohol：

• In line with the Justice Act (Northern Ireland, 2011), it is an offence to cause or permit alcohol to be carried on a motor vehicle, adapted to carry 9 or more passengers, which principle purpose is conveying passengers for reward to or part way to a regulated match.
• The driver/operator and person hiring the vehicle can commit this offence and it is an offence to possess intoxicating liquor whilst on a relevant vehicle.
• A Constable may stop and search a motor vehicle if reasonable grounds exist to suspect an offence.

The full document of the Justice Act (Northern Ireland, 2011) is available @ https://www.legisiation.gov.uk/nia/2011/24/contents

Please also note the following information from Derry City FC for Away Supporters:

• Away supporters will access the stadium via Gate 9, the inner car park. This gate is for Club Staff, Guests, officials and AWAY supporters only. This ensures that visiting supporters have a sterile segregated area in Blocks K, L and M Southend Stand.

He may be a native of County Limerick, but Will Fitzgerald feels just at home in Yeats’ country these days. 

2026 will be the Raheen native’s fifth season with Sligo Rovers, his tenth as a League of Ireland player but his first as club captain.  

Initially brought to the Showgrounds in December 2021, the 26-year-old will very likely surpass his 150th appearance for the club in 2026. While he isn’t too far off his 250th senior League of Ireland appearance. 

Will spent a really impressive 2025 as vice-skipper to John Mahon. Injuries to and suspensions picked up by the Collooney man gave winger Fitzgerald plenty of opportunities to lead the team out and the former Derry attacker made the most of his elevated role, going on to be nominated for the player of the year. In this new season, being promoted to club captain is a source of great pride for Will. 

“I learned a lot from last season as vice”, he tells sligorovers.com

“John (Mahon) led the group impeccably and I tried to compliment that with my own style. When it was time for me to wear the armband it was such a huge honour and I really did cherish it. Leading the group and especially the younger lads was something that gave me a lot of pride. 

“It’s just a privilege. Sligo Rovers is a club steeped in rich history and success. You read about how it was built from nothing by the people of Sligo and the northwest and it’s totally sustained by its own supporters to this day. To not just represent that but to be club captain is something I hold dear. 

“There are so many great people behind the scenes who push the club on each week. I’ve seen it since I first came here, it’s incredible the community spirit and the love the area has for its football club. To represent those people, it’s something I am more than grateful for.”

Full of industry and physicality, Fitzgerald is also at the same time known for his penetrating, mazy runs and ability to create opportunity from out wide along with his ability to defend from the front. His versatility has been invaluable to Russell in recent years and is likely to be a key asset for the coming season. He’s just happy to fill in and play football.

“It really makes no difference where I play, I just want to play and perform.  

“I think once you reach a certain level in your career, your game begins to mature and fall into place. I know how John operates and wants his teams to perform and play. I just feel comfortable within that system and style.

“Second to that, my performances come down to being happy off the pitch. Sligo is a second home to me now and I’ve enjoyed every minute since coming here. Hopefully I can bring my 2025 form into this season, straight away.”

Rovers get down to business at the Brandywell on Friday night for what will be our 21st consecutive season in the top flight. A record only matched and bettered by both Pat’s and Bohs, both of whom are yet to be relegated. 

First up is one of the title favourites Derry City and Will is hoping Rovers can add points to the board early doors. 

“We were disappointed with our start last year”, he continues. 

“We had a run of results which almost ended up catching us out at the end. 

“But the first thing we did when we met up for pre-season, was talk about the importance of a good start and putting up from the get-go. That’s the aim and it starts in Derry on Friday night.

“John got his business done early this year and has brought in real quality and experience. I think in doing so, he’s allowed the new lads to get up to speed and familiar with how he wants to do things. You can see connections building with every passing day. It can only benefit the group, being around each other since early December. 

“It was difficult losing the likes of Paddy McClean, Owen Elding but that’s the nature of football. Compared to previous years, we’ve kept together the core of the team which is vital in creating a culture. We hope that’ll be a success as a result. 

“There’s a real optimism. It’s my tenth year in the league and the excitement for me is as big as ever. I believe we have a squad that can compete week in, week out. We’re keen to show the fans what we can do this year. 

“It’ll be a difficult start to the season. Derry have invested heavily with the sole purpose of winning the league. They’ve recruited some really big names.

“But we’re going into an electric atmosphere and that’s what we all want as players. We’re really looking forward to it as a group.” 

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers’ men’s senior team return to competitive action this Friday as the 105th edition of the League of Ireland gets underway across the country. Rovers head to title-challenging Derry City and to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, as the Bit O’Red get set to begin a 21st consecutive season of top flight football, a current record only bettered by St Pat’s and Bohs.

Kick-off in Derry will come almost one hundred days since Rovers memorably beat champions Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium in our last competitive game. There’s been plenty of transfer activity with key players such as Jeannot Esua, Carl McHugh, Mai Traore and Archie Meekison eligible for debuts.

Friday’s away end sold out almost immediately after tickets went on general sale last week and supporters will be keen to see defender Shane Blaney appear for the first time in Rovers gear since his return on loan. While star winger Ryan O’Kane gears up for his first game following his permanent transfer to the Showgrounds following a loan spell in 2025.

It’s been a busy pre-season for John Russell’s men, with friendly games against Finn Harps, Galway, Treaty and UCD all forming part of the club’s preparation for the coming season.

The fixture list has thrown up what will be one of the league’s toughest tests as our first game. Tiernan Lynch has again invested heavily in his squad as the Candystripes contnue the hunt for their first league crown since 1997.

Their most notable acquisition is of course Ireland international James McClean, who returns home after fifteen years in the UK. Derry have also recruited talent from within the League of Ireland such as Rob Slevin, Darragh Markey, James Clarke and Patrick McClean who spent a few months in Sligo last term.

The Brandywell has proven a challenging venue for Rovers over the past few seasons, however we have beaten City on a few occasions in the league on home turf. The most recent of these victories came last July courtesy of strikes from the aforementioned James McClean and Wilson Waweru.

In team news, Rovers will go north without goalkeeper Liam Hughes who is expected to miss out with a shoulder injury. But Russell does have a full squad to pick from as of Thursday evening, barring the net minder.

“It’s a new season and it’s one we’re so looking forward to”, Russell tells sligorovers.com.

“We went back to training in early December with the nucleus of our squad already formed. We got a lot of our business done before then and that was something we spoke about last season, that we’d hoped we could do.

“Hopefully having the players together from early on will stand to us.”

The fixture list has thrown up a tough start for Rovers, with three of our first four games taking place away from the Showgrounds.

Regardless, Russell isn’t fumbling for excuses and is instead focusing on a sharp return to competitive play.

“We’re looking for a fast start”, he says.

“We know what and where we needed to work on and we’ve honed in on that in pre-season, especially our start to the year and how important that is.

“We’re aiming to be competitive in the first round of games and we’re not looking any further than that. But we need to stay with the pack early on and assess things after that.

“Yes it’s going to be tough having a few away games at the start, but that’s the way it is. We have to play everyone at home and away twice, doesn’t matter in what order.

On Derry’s strength-in-depth, Russell believes the harder the task the more it will tell him about his side.

“I’m intrigued to see how it goes. It’s possibly the toughest test there is at the moment in the league. They’ve just beaten the double-winners.

“It’s going to be a sold-out, expectant Brandywell. They’re pushing to start well and will be challenging. But it’s going to be a crisp night under floodlights and a big, big atmosphere. What isn’t there to look forward to?”

Kick-off at the Brandywell is 7.45pm.

David Goulden