Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that winger Ryan O’Kane has signed for the club on a permanent basis, just days after his loan spell came to an end. The 22-year-old initially joined the Bit O’Red on loan from Shelbourne in July last year and went on to make 14 appearances for the club, scoring twice as Rovers finished the year strongly and caps off 2025 by signing a two year contract with the club who have agreed a undisclosed fee with Shels for the player’s transfer.

O’Kane’s loan deal expired on the last day of November, but Rovers boss John Russell acted quickly in bringing the player back to the north west on a full-time basis. O’Kane is player number nineteen to commit to Rovers for 2026.

Born in Dundalk, O’Kane began his career at Irish League side Warrenpoint, making his debut for them at the age of just fifteen. He went on to sign for his hometown club, arriving at Oriel Park in 2021 and spent four seasons with the Lilywhites before being snapped up by
2024 Premier Division champions Shels following their title win.

O’Kane arrived in Sligo on loan on the first day of the July window and made his mark in a thrilling late win over Cork City on Leeside later that month. Two goals down, an inspired Rovers turned this game on its head courtesy of strikes from Owen Elding, Paddy McClean and a glorious injury time winner from O’Kane.

“It was a game of two halves, wasn’t it?”, O’Kane recalls.

“But it felt like even at two down we could still win the game. That big belief we have in ourselves and each other really shone through. When the ball hit the net, it was an incredible feeling for me. It was probably the best moment of my career so far.

“The second half of the year was so enjoyable. One because of the football we played and the wins we picked up and two because I was back playing week in, week out which I feel is so important for me at this point in my career. I want to keep doing that into 2026.”

Restricted to a handful of appearances at Tolka Park, O’Kane found a new lease of life in Sligo under the tutelage of Russell and Co.

“I really enjoyed my first few months here. It was great to get back to regular first team football under John and back to enjoying what I do”, he tells sligorovers.com.

“The style the manager wants us to play really suits my game and I felt I fitted in well in the way he wants the team to attack. It goes hand in hand really. He was a big factor in me making the move to Sligo. I was eager to make it permanent as soon as I could really.

“John has a great record of developing young players and that’s a big reason why I signed here. He has big plans for the season ahead and myself and it’s something I’m hugely excited about.”

With a return to pre-season only days away and the league calendar set to commence on the first weekend of February, Ryan is already looking forward to a big season at the Showgrounds.

“The squad signed for next season looks brilliant so far. It’s going to be great to see all the lads when we go back for pre-season, I just can’t wait to get going again.

“I feel as if the form we showed in the second half of 2025 can be replicated from the start.

“And if we can do that, then we’ve a great chance to challenge higher up the table. Obviously, what happened in the FAI Cup was a huge disappointment. That comes later in the year, but there’s still a big want within the group from last season, to try and make up for that.”

Welcoming O’Kane back to the fold, Russell outlined the reasons why he was so keen to get his man back to Sligo as soon as his loan deal finished.

“He has such a high ceiling”, John says of O’Kane.

“We brought him here because of his willingness and ability to take players on. He’s got lightning pace, a brilliant ability to change direction and he impacts the game in the final third with goals and assists. We want to help Ryan show more of that in 2026.

“His mentality is excellent. He works so hard for his team-mates and constantly wants to listen to how he can improve his game. Our supporters will be excited to hear he’s signed again.

“He made a massive impact in just a few months at Rovers during his loan. I was always keen to try and get him in permanently, so we’re delighted he’s committed his future to Sligo Rovers.”

David Goulden

*Players signed for 2026 season: Ryan O’Kane, Ciaron Harkin, Jeannot Esua, Daire Patton, Alex Nolan, Carl McHugh, Ollie Denham, Sam Sargeant, Paddy McClean, Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds, Sean Stewart, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh, Archie Meekison, Will Fitzgerald, Seb Quirk, Kyle McDonagh and Jad Hakiki.

Sligo Rovers are immensely thrilled to confirm that Men’s First Team Manager John Russell has this week, agreed an extension to his current contract, signing a multi-year deal with the club.

Russell, who has been associated with the Bit O’Red for the best part of fifteen years now, led Rovers to a seventh placed finish last term after a superb second half of the season. His achievements were noted by his peers as Russell finished 2025 with a PFAI Manager of the Year nomination.

The club are delighted to have secured the continuation of the services of one of the league’s outstanding young managerial talents.

Russell initially joined Rovers in 2010 from his local side Galway United as a dynamic attacking midfielder under then manager Paul Cook. He went on to win two FAI Cups, one EA Sports Cup and a Setanta Sports Cup with the club. He also won a Premier Division title with St Patrick’s Athletic in 2013 before returning to Rovers the following season.

He played for the club until 2017 when he retired from football and moved on to manage Mayo League’s Westport United. But his time away from Sligo was relatively short lived as he was appointed assistant to Liam Buckley ahead of the 2019 season.

The 40-year-old took the helm at Rovers mid-2022 and immediately guided the club through two rounds of the Europa Conference League, knocking out Bala Town and Motherwell along the way. Recently crowned Norwegian league champions Viking FK brought an end to that glorious summer run, but Russell did mastermind a win over the Stavanger side in the home leg. He remains the only Rovers manager to guide the club through two rounds of European competition.

Battling against the odds and working with restricted budgets, Russell kept Rovers competitive through the last few years and has been responsible for overseeing the graduation of a host of stars from the Abbvie Academy. Naming but a few, Owen Elding, Conor Walsh, Conor Reynolds, Ed McGinty and Gareth McElroy have all prospered in League of Ireland football since their emergence under Russell.

Most recently, he was responsible for Rovers’ incredible turn in form at the mid-way point of the 2025 season. Occupying the league’s bottom spot for a period, Russell galvanised Rovers with several key summer signings, picking up 29 points from 19 games and finishing the season in seventh position, 17 points clear of relegated Cork City.

“Losing seven or eight starting players from our team in 2024 was always going to make the start of the new season challenging”, John tells sligorovers.com.

“It takes time for new players to settle, build up connections with each other and get used to playing in a new team or a new league. My job during those tough moments is to stay calm, be objective, help the players and find solutions.

“I believe in what we’re doing and it’s important to trust in your work and be consistent in your actions.

“I knew we had issues in the first half of the season and we needed to get to the summer window and bring in better quality to help us. A lot goes into recruitment and we needed to get it right and thankfully we did.

“The players showed resilience, grew in confidence, and started to express themselves more consistently. We saw our academy players step up, our experienced players lead by example, and the team as a whole develop a stronger identity.

“That turnaround wasn’t by chance. It came from hard work, belief, and sticking together. It gives me real optimism heading into the new campaign, because we’ve shown we can come through adversity and finish strongly. The challenge now is to carry that momentum forward and build on it.”

Talking passionately about the honour of managing the club into its 98th year, Russell says he is more keen than ever to propel the Bit O’Red to the next level. He spoke about how tough it can be to lose your best players year-on-year and replace them with suitable alternatives. But he’s proud of the way the club goes about its business, particularly the recent success of the Abbvie Academy.

“From the players and staff to the supporters, who are the lifeblood of the club, this is a place that means a great deal to me.

“I want to build on the foundations we’ve laid over the past few seasons as I believe we can achieve something special. My role is to keep pushing the players, supporting their development, and making sure they have the platform to show their quality. I’m excited to keep building with this squad and to see just how far we can go.

“When you look at the investment going into the other teams in the league over the last few seasons I think the progress of the club has been impacted. The club is doing everything they can to be supportive and give the resources to make us competitive but it’s a massive challenge to make real progress when you lose your best players at the end of each season and you have to rebuild a team.

“Despite the turnover of players, I do feel we have created a clear identity and style of play. The team plays an attractive, attacking style of football and shows no fear. I’m very clear on what I want and I put those demands on the players and staff.

“We have also shown that players improve when they come to Sligo. We like to sign the best young talent, develop them and give them that platform to excel. We’ve sold a lot of players over the past three seasons who have gone on to higher levels. I feel this will be an important part of our model going forward where we need to command better transfer fees and then reinvest that money into the team to help us compete.

“Another area of progression has been our continued promotion and development of players from the academy. I think the emergence and the performances of Owen (Elding) shows what can be achieved.

“From the start, I felt it was vital that young players had a pathway into the first team. Not only does it strengthen the identity of the club, but it also brings energy, hunger, and a fresh perspective into the dressing room.

“We’ve seen players come through who’ve embraced the challenge, grown quickly, and added real quality to the squad. That’s a credit to their attitude and to the academy staff who’ve prepared them so well.

“For me, it’s about balance, blending youth with experience, but giving young players opportunities has been central to our progress. It keeps the club moving forward, it excites the supporters, and it shows that if you’re good enough and willing to work hard, you’ll get your chance.

“There’s also been a real connection between the supporters and the team over the last two seasons. I think they can see the effort, the fight and the togetherness within the team. They see a group of players who leave everything on the pitch and who understand the responsibility of representing this club.”

Pre-season gets underway on Monday, December 15th with eighteen first team players currently signed for the new campaign. New signings such as Archie Meeksion, Carl McHugh, Jeanott Esua and Alex Nolan will begin their Rovers careers. They’ll be joined by those from last year’s squad such as Jad Hakiki, Owen Elding, Paddy McClean and Sam Sargeant as plans are put in place.

Russell explains the importance of doing business as early as possible as he looks for a quick start ahead of what will be another challenging year.

“It’s massive”, he continues.

“It’s probably the first time we’ve been in this position since I took over. We want to start the season strongly in 2026. To do that, you need the majority of your squad in place.

“The off season is key for players to work on their conditioning and areas of improvement to prepare their bodies for the season ahead. Once pre-season starts, it’s all about developing our style of play, players understanding their roles and responsibilities, building up those connections on the pitch, and building their fitness levels so that we’re ready to start the season fast.

“The ambition for 2026 is to keep driving this club forward. We want to build on the momentum from the second half of last season and be more consistent across the campaign.

“Significant investment at certain clubs as well as the introduction of multi-club ownership models have put serious pressure on our club model and our ability to compete for silverware and those coveted European places.

“We understand this. We know we’re up against it each year but we must continue to innovate, develop and improve the players, stick to our principles and keep believing in what we’re doing.

“Our club is special. Sligo Rovers is more than just a football club. It’s the heart beat of the community. In life, we all want to be part of something bigger.

“Sligo Rovers gives us that opportunity. We know we’re the underdog. We know we’re up against it but I think there is something in us that enjoys the struggle. It means that bit more when we do have success.”

Welcoming the announcement, club chairperson Tommy Higgins says Russell’s traits and his vision for the club heading towards its centenary year, matches that of those who are charged with driving Rovers forward.

“This is another statement of intent from the club”, he states.

“In having John in charge, we have who we believe is the best young manager in the league leading our first team and shaping how the club will evolve over the next few years.

“Last year was another very challenging year for the club on and off the pitch. However, we faced adversity and came out stronger at the far end and John has assembled a really competitive squad already, well ahead of the new season.

“In doing this, he has shown vision and ambition. Sligo Rovers is an ambitious football club. We have big plans off the pitch with the renovation of the Showgrounds and we would dearly love to mark the years around our one hundredth year with success on the pitch.

“We have who we believe is the most ambitious manager in the country leading our first team and that gives us the best chance.

“We’re absolutely delighted that John has agreed this new multi-year deal and we’re really looking forward to 2026 and beyond.”

David Goulden

The 500 Club members draw for 500 Club Winners November & December 2025 was made recently by the 500 Club Committee.

These monthly draws see ten members drawn each month for cash prizes, with the top prize being €500.

The 500 Club continues to be one of the club’s most important Fundraisers and we wish to thank all members, and the 500 Club committee for their continued hard work.

November 2025

€500 Leo Gray – Sraid na Mara, Sligo
€100 Martin Foley – Castle Street, Sligo
€100 Gerard Nicholson – Shannon Eighter, Sligo
€100 Jim Irwin – Toronto, Canada
€100 Bill Divers – Maugheraboy, Sligo
€100 Paul Waldron – Ballindine, Co. Mayo
€100 Lorna Fahey – Cairns Road, Sligo
€100 Pauric Kenna – Ardcairn, Cairns Road, Sligo
€100 Niall McClean – Collins Avenue East, Dublin 5
€100 Laura Norman – Sunset Drive, Cartron, Sligo

December 2025

€500 Paul Kilgallon – Stephen Street Court, Sligo
€100 Grainne Oates – 18 Kevinstort Heath, Sligo
€100 Myles Phillips – Drum Rd, Rathcormac, Co. Sligo
€100 Paul Mulligan – Rosehill, Sligo
€100 Joe Flynn – Celbridge, Co. Kildare
€100 Nicholas Eustace – Ranelagh, Dublin 6
€100 Dara Hensey – Westport, Co. Mayo
€100 Vincent Fowley – Cairy, Co. Sligo
€100 Pat Togher – Shannon Eighter, Sligo
€100 Leon Burns – Sandyfort Downs, Dublin 18

Sligo Rovers are thrilled to announce that adventurous wing-back Jeannot Esua has agreed to join the club on a two-year deal. The Cameroonian defender signs having spent the last two seasons with Galway United and links up with the Bit O’Red after signing a contract until the end of the 2027 season, effective from this Monday, December 1st.

Esua, 29, was a stand-out player in the League of Ireland over the past few years and his signature brings to seventeen the number of players already signed ahead of the 2026 season.

Born in Idenau on the Cameroon coast in 1996, Esua commenced his career at Rainbow Bamenda before signing on with Californian side Orange County in the US. Impressing there, he moved north and across the border to Canadian Premier League side Edmonton FC where he spent three seasons, winning their Player of the Year in 2019.

His performances were well noted by clubs in Europe and in February 2022 he moved on to the Finnish leagues, where he would spend a season each with Lappeenranta and Ekenas. The latter with which Esua achieved promotion to the Finnish top flight.

Jeannot made the move to Ireland before the start of the 2024 League of Ireland season and Galway’s first year back in the Premier Division, appearing and excelling in over 60 games for the Tribesmen.

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Esua, known for his mauruading runs down the right side, has been tracked by Rovers boss John Russell for several years, even before his time with Galway. He says he feels the move to Sligo has now come at the perfect time for him.

“I had offers but I didn’t want to join any club just for the sake of it”, he states.

“I wanted to join a club where I could have a lot of belief in the project and that was here at Rovers. I’ve spoken to John on several occasions throughout the last few years, even before I joined Galway and now I feel it is the time I want to join a club like Rovers. There’s big ambition here and there’s a lot of excitement around the place.

“John spoke to me and told me a lot of things even about myself which to be honest, I wasn’t aware of. I was so impressed as he showed me videos of my play and he was able to tell me where I was able to improve and how I can slot into the Rovers team and help improve the way we’ll play. He’s very keen on his job and is certainly straight forward in his dealings, his message and the way he wants you to fit in.

“Sligo were alway exciting to play against and watch. They always had a game plan when they played us and stuck to it even when the game was going against them. You always saw the patterns of play, John’s information he gave his players was always noticeable and clear. I’m excited to play under him.

“I have a good understanding of how the league is played, the quality of the players you’re up against and playing with. I feel I can contribute my own quarter to things that bit better given I have experience of playing League of Ireland football now.

“To be honest, I don’t speak too much but I like to lead by example and let my actions speak. I’m a player who loves to put my head down, work and let what I do on the pitch speak for me. I just love to play the game with freedom and make things happen. I just want to help the team in the best way I can and show my quality. Hopefully I’ll do that here and give fans plenty to clap for on match day.”

Esua was first convinced to ply his trade on Irish shores by the late Ollie Horgan, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Jeannot was keen to acknowledge the input the former Galway United assistant had in his career and says making the move across Connacht was a tough one but one he feels will pay dividends.

“It was tough to leave United”, he continued.

“Ever since I joined, everyone was there for me. They showed great belief in me and every time I wore their jersey, I wanted to give something back to them and fight for them. I spoke to John (Caulfield) and was very up front with him. I wanted to join a club where I can fit in and play the way I want to play. It was difficult but right now I think it’s time for me to move on to the next chapter.

“Ollie had a big say in anyone who came into Galway and I am forever grateful to him for the opportunity. My time with him was great, he was a great man. His information was always clear, the way he wanted to play and what he wanted from us the players. He was a funny guy, a great character and I’ll always be grateful for having met him and played under him.”

Esua will be the first player from the country which gave the world the ‘Indomitable Lions’ to play for Rovers since legendary Cameroonian midfielder Joseph Ndo. He admits he never had the joy of seeing ‘Joey’ live but wants to emulate him in as many ways as he can.

“I never got the chance to see him play live but my Dad did and he spoke a lot to me about Joey”, he says.

“I’ve seen a lot of his videos on Youtube and some of what he did on the pitch with a ball was crazy. I’ve heard so much from the lads I’ve played with about him. He seemed to have done so much for Rovers and this league it’s quite an honour to be just the second Cameroonian to play here. I want to now contribute my own quarter here and make my own mark, as Ndo did.”

Looking ahead to how Esua can make an impact, Rovers manager Russell told sligorovers.com that he sees Jeannot as another key acquisition who fits the bill.

“This is a signing I think will really excite our supporters”, Russell says.

“Jeannot was a real stand out for Galway over the last two seasons and I feel the attributes he showcased week in, week out will really suit our system and our style of play.

“He’s a very dynamic type of player and we’re really looking forward to working with him and getting the best out of him.

“Jeannot loves to get forward, delivering crosses and creating opportunities. Anyone who’s watched League of Ireland the past few years will know how good he is and how well regarded he is.

“He’s quick and aggressive and strong in one on ones. His experience is going to be a big addition to what we have here. I feel he’s a really big signing for us.”

David Goulden

*Players signed for 2026 season: Jeannot Esua, Daire Patton, Alex Nolan, Carl McHugh, Ollie Denham, Sam Sargeant, Paddy McClean, Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds, Sean Stewart, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh, Archie Meekison, Will Fitzgerald, Seb Quirk, Kyle McDonagh and Jad Hakiki.

Sligo Rovers are proud to confirm that Abbvie Academy graduate, midfielder Daire Patton has signed a new one year deal with the club. The 19-year-old Sligo town native has been with the club since the age of 12 and has lined out for the club at every level since then. 

Patton signed his first professional contract with the Bit O’Red last year, having made his competitive debut at the Showgrounds against Bohemians that summer. The former St John’s FC player and Summerhill College student has since played 18 times for the first team and was last year nominated for the FAI Schools U18 Boys’ International Player of the Year award. He was also an integral part of the Rovers side which reached the final of the 2024 edition of the Enda McGuill U20 Cup. 

A Rovers fan since childhood, Daire told sligorovers.com of his pride in having again put pen to paper with his local club.  

“It’s a massive deal for me to sign again with the club”, he beamed. 

“I’ve been coming to games since I was four and I’ve always wanted to play with the first team which I am fortunate to do so, so it’s a really proud day for me. I’ve only ever missed a handful of Rovers games at the Showgrounds.”

Patton featured in both of last year’s mid-season friendlies with Everton and Celtic and gave a good account of himself in front of the Rovers faithful. He made his senior competitive debut against Bohs in May 2024, Daire coming on in place of Stefan Radosavljevic. His next appearance came in Drogheda, a few weeks before he featured on the final day of the 2024 season against Pat’s.

2025 saw Patton feature 15 times, including in big wins over Waterford and Galway while his first start came in a draw against Bohs at Dalymount Park. 

He was also introduced early on in Tallaght in that final day win over Shamrock Rovers, a 31st minute replacement for the injured Seb Quirk. Patton is thankful to management for such an opportunity. 

“They’ve been brilliant”, he says of manager John Russell and assistant Ryan Casey. 

“I’ve only improved under them. Since I came into the first team, they have taught me so much about the game and are always pushing me to become a better player which I’m so grateful for. 

“It’s been a great step up. Getting minutes at first team level has only improved my game. I didn’t really expect to be on the pitch in Tallaght as early as I was but it goes to show that you always need to be ready. I was happy to make my contribution. The goal now is to kick on and gain more and more game time. 

“I’d now love to break into the first eleven. I just need to keep working and keep trying to improve. We know last season we found ourselves in a position we shouldn’t have been in. This season, we’re looking up and want to be challenging for Europe.”

Patton was one of four Abbvie Academy players who signed senior deals last October along with Conor Reynolds, Kyle McDonagh and Gareth McElroy. Each player would go on to play their part in the story of the 2025 campaign.    

“That was massive to go the journey through the academy with Conor and Kyle and obviously Gareth came in a bit later, Owen Elding too. We are all friends off the pitch which makes a big difference. To see what Owen and Gareth did last season only makes me more hungry to make my mark this season.” 

Patton’s signature brings to 16 the total number of players signed to pro-contracts for the 2026 season. Manager Russell outlined his delight at seeing an academy graduate, a local player and a supporter, sign a fresh deal with the club. 

“Daire’s new contract is yet another example of how important the Abbvie Academy is to this club”, Russell says. 

“We pride ourselves on being able to bring players through and it’s vital for the type of club we are that we keep that conveyor belt of talent rolling. 

“Daire’s a supporter first and foremost, you see it in him how proud he is to play for Rovers as a local lad and it’s wonderful to see. 

“He’s a really talented young man and has a lot to give this club. He’s played a few times for the seniors already and he’s not looked out of place. We’ve had to rely on him in a few games this season when maybe we’ve wanted to use him later in games than we’ve had to. But we have faith in every one of our younger players and Daire has excelled when he’s been called up. 

“We’re looking forward to seeing how he does this season and into the future.”

David Goulden 

Owen Elding capped off what has been a wonderful 2025 for the Sligo Rovers striker by scooping the PFAI Men’s Young Player of the Year award for this year, the first Rovers player to win such an award in 38 years. 

The 19-year-old enjoyed what was a breakout year for the Riverstown man who netted an incredible 16 goals in 38 games for the Bit O’Red this term, seeing out the season as the club’s top-scorer. 

He was also included in this year’s Team of the Year. While Rovers boss John Russell was nominated for Manager of the Year.

Elding, who joined the club as a child, made his Rovers debut at the Showgrounds in a Premier Division game against Shelbourne in May 2023. To date, he has played 67 times for the club, with his first senior goal arriving on the opening day of the 2025 season against Waterford. 

His goals were vital in Rovers securing a 21st consecutive season in the Premier Division, as Russell’s men finished in seventh spot.

Elding is the first Rovers player to win the young player of the year award since Martin Bayly back in 1987. He is the first Sligo Rovers man to win a PFAI award since Mark Quigley in Rovers’ title winning season of 2012. 

Sligo Rovers are delighted to confirm that the club has reached an agreement with exciting young winger Alex Nolan, with the 22-year-old joining the Bit O’Red on a one year deal.

The former Cork City and St Patrick’s Athletic wide man has signed a pre-contract, effective from December 1st and is manager John Russell’s third new addition with the 2026 season on its way. 

A graduate of the Shamrock Rovers academy, Dublin born Nolan moved to Shelbourne in 2020 where he won the First Division title a year later. He signed for UCD ahead of the 2023 season where he scored his first goal for the Students against Rovers in February of that year. 

Nolan, who can operate on both flanks and as a number ten, moved on to St Pat’s mid-way through 2023. At Richmond Park, he featured in Europe before winning the FAI Cup with Pat’s later that season.

Nolan, who grew up in Dunboyne, Co Meath made his 100th senior career appearance at his next club Cork, where he again reached the cup decider only to be beaten by Shamrock Rovers in the final just a few Sundays ago. This, shortly after Nolan scored at the Showgrounds in the Rebels’ draw with Rovers in Sligo on October 25th in what was the Bit O’Red’s final home game of last season. 

Now looking forward to lining out in the famous Rovers red, Nolan told sligorovers.com of his excitement ahead of what he is hoping will be a season to remember.

“Playing against Rovers the last few years for UCD, Pat’s and Cork, it’s always been a challenge”, he says. 

“Sligo always gave us problems any time I played against them. The squad has always been young and full of running, playing in a really positive way so I think that’ll just suit me. I like to and want to play (with) the ball on the ground and run at people. My job this year will be to create chances and hopefully finish a few off and that’s what I’m working towards.

“I was in touch with John this time last year but I ended up going to Cork. However, I kept in touch with him and hoped to sign here during the summer. That didn’t work out but I spoke to him again on multiple occasions towards the end of last season and it was a chance I jumped at. From speaking to him and from seeing the way Rovers have played the last few years, it’s a move that really excites me. 

“I’m only young but I do have a good bit of experience so far in the league. It definitely helps, knowing the teams, the pitches, who you’re up against and how a certain manager plays. I’d like to think I had a good idea of the strengths and weaknesses of teams last season. Obviously squads change, but you have an idea of what to expect from each manager.”

Listing his hopes for 2026, Nolan is ambitious to keep adding to his trophy haul which includes those First Division and FAI Cup crowns. He also won a Leinster Senior Cup with Pat’s in 2024.  

“The manager is building a really decent young squad which will still have experience. I know a few lads already, Jad Hakiki and Cian Kavanagh would have played with me at Shels and Pat’s. John has kept a lot of the experience from last season so we should be strong.

“We definitely want to push for Europe and finish as high as we can. The club hasn’t been in a cup final since 2013 so it’s due a run and I’ve heard all about what it was like the years Rovers won the cup in early 2010s. It’s a dream of mine to be part of another big win here. I hope I can create and score a few goals that might help us realise that ambition.” 

Welcoming Nolan to Sligo, Russell says he brought his new winger to the north west to get the fans on their feet.

“You need players with pace and the ability to beat people in one v one situations and Alex will bring that to our team”, Russell tells sligorovers.com. 

“Alex is a really talented player and I’m delighted to bring him to Sligo Rovers. 

“He is a player who always wants the ball and wants to make things happen in the final third, whether that’s putting dangerous crosses into the box or using his ability to cut in from the right side and get shots off. We’re looking forward to getting going with him in our squad as I feel he really fits our profile well.” 

Nolan is the fifteenth player to sign for 2026. These include Carl McHugh, Ollie Denham, Sam Sargeant, Paddy McLean, Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds, Sean Stewart, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh, Archie Meekison, Will Fitzgerald, Seb Quirk, Kyle McDonagh and Jad Hakiki. 

David Goulden 

John Russell has added experience to his Sligo Rovers first team squad ahead of the 2026 season with the signing of midfielder Carl McHugh, the club are delighted to announce. 

The 32-year-old Donegal man is Russell’s second new addition ahead of next season, agreeing a two year deal with the Bit O’Red effective from 1st January next, having pressed ink to a pre-contract this week. 

A native of Lettermacaward on the Donegal coast, McHugh began his career with Reading before joining Bradford City in 2012 following a short stint on loan at Dundalk where he played against Rovers at Oriel Park in a 1-1 draw in August 2011. 

At Bradford, he achieved promotion from League 2 in 2013 and helped the Bantams to a famous League Cup final appearance that year with McHugh scoring past fellow county-man and Irish centurion Shay Given in an epic semi-final win over Aston Villa. 

He would go on to feature for Plymouth and spent three years as a familiar face at Motherwell before making the move to Asia and to the Indian Super League, winning that competition twice along with success in the Indian Super Cup before departing FC Goa during the summer after a second placed ISL finish. The former Dungloe Town star has also featured for and captained the Republic of Ireland at underage level from 15s to 21s.

Comfortable in defensive positions as well as in the middle, McHugh told sligorovers.com he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to ply his trade at the Showgrounds and closer to home.  

“John reached out to me a while back about making a move back to Ireland and we’ve stayed in touch since”, he says. 

“I kept a close eye on Rovers and the league in general and it’s clear it’s a very well run club. Last year, they really played some very nice football with some really talented young players. After speaking to John, working with him was a big part of signing too. 

“He’s done a great job the last few years and I know how highly regarded he is within Irish football. He’s so passionate about this club and how we can all improve things. I think I’ll learn a lot from him. 

“I watched a lot of Rovers, especially the second half of last season. The team went on a great run and it’s clear to see how much talent is within it. Knowing that there’s a strong core already here, it gives me a lot of optimism. Hopefully I can add to that.

“I just felt like it was a really exciting time to join here and it comes at a great time in my career. Moving back closer to home and my friends and family is part of the move and I’m really excited.”

Even in his early 30s, McHugh is likely to be one of the more senior players at Rovers and in what is a League of Ireland with a much younger profile than his last stint here. He’s looking to lend that experience to his fellow squad members over the next few years.

“I’ve had lots of different types of experiences in my life and on the pitch”, he continues. 

“I hope I can bring that on to my time in Sligo. As I said, we have a very talented, young squad and I’ll be looking to help them as much as I can both on and off the pitch. I’m a player who is committed and competitive. I think I have a good understanding of the game and I look to offer balance to a team.” 

2026 will be Carl’s first year in fifteen that he’s featured in the Irish domestic game and he’s already enthused by the prospect of being part of the Bit O’Red’s story in our 98th year. 

“I’ve always followed the league. A lot seems to have changed since the time I was at Dundalk and certainly for the better. It has grown so much in terms of professionalism and stability within the league. From an outside looking in, the standard has improved so much and it’s very competitive. It’s become a great platform for younger lads to play first team football and excel. It’s critical for Irish football that the league continues to grow and I’m excited to be part of it now.

“I can’t wait to get back to training and getting sharp. When you sign for a club, you want to help it kick on. If you can find consistency, there are huge opportunities for you here. I want to play in Europe, which is something I’ve never done. I want to achieve that at the Showgrounds and of course win a trophy or two. That would be amazing.” 

Manager Russell says that McHugh’s time spent watching Rovers in 2025 and his familiarity with the team can only be beneficial as Rovers head towards the beginning of pre-season in a few weeks time.  

“I know from our conversations, Carl is excited about the challenge ahead. He’s watched a lot of our games so I feel his transition into our team will be seamless”, Russell says.

“Carl is someone who has played at a really high level throughout his career so I’m delighted to bring him to the club. 

“I felt it was important to bring in an experienced midfielder who could dictate the play while also giving us that balance and defensive quality in our team.”

McHugh joins thirteen of his new team-mates as those contracted to Sligo Rovers for 2026. These are Ollie Denham, Sam Sargeant, Paddy McClean, Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds, Sean Stewart, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh, Archie Meekison, Will Fitzgerald, Seb Quirk, Kyle McDonagh and Jad Hakiki. 

David Goulden