Danny Kane signs for 2020

Sligo Rovers can today confirm that Danny Kane has signed a new contract for the 2020 season.

The former Cork City and AFC Fylde player joined Rovers in July having spent the first half of the season overcoming a serious ankle problem.

Kane secured a place in the team over the last two months, putting in impressive displays featuring at the heart of defence and in the full-back positions.    

He becomes the 12th player to sign for the 2020 campaign.

Danny Kane: “I’m really happy to sign. I was without a club and glad to get the opportunity at Sligo. It was months before I could get to a position to sign which was tough but I’ve loved it here. The lads are brilliant and so are the people around the club.

“I don’t think you’ve seen the best of me to be honest. In a selfish way I don’t want the season to end because I’m loving being back playing. But I also think it’s probably good to get the rest and start pre-season in top knick and be ready to go.

“We’ve done okay, the Cup semi-final showed some potential and next year we’d like to kick on and really go for that top four. There’s a lot of talented lads in a great dressing-room here. We’re not willing to settle for going close to something next season. We want to win.”

Liam Buckley said: “I think Danny is a very good addition for next season. We worked with Danny for a lot of this year to get him back to fitness and we’ve seen what a good player he is in the last number of weeks. As well as being a good defender, he is excellent with the ball at his feet which is important to us.

“His versatility is also very useful because we’ve already seen him in a number of positions and I think he has done really well.

“It’s going to be a big season for him. He is good to enough to nail down a starting place in the team and be a brilliant player in this league.

“I know he has the hunger to become that so we’re looking forward to working with him next year. As the season end draws closer, we want to get our business done in terms of the players that are here already and we are doing that. From where we were this time last year, it’s going to be much more beneficial and easier all around.

“We have two more games to finish off the season and this group of players have been excellent in their application all year. I can’t fault them and we’d like to get two good results. We’ll look to finish it off well and our plans for next year will become more apparent as time passes.”

Strength & Conditioning intern wanted

Job Description Summary

Sligo Rovers Football Club are looking for an intern to work alongside their Head Strength & Conditioning Coach.

This will be a temporary position, with an emphasis on educational training and gathering practical experience in Strength & Conditioning from a professional sports organization. The Intern will gain hands on valuable experience working within the Management Team, collaborating in an environment full of learning opportunities designed to help all interns evolve their capabilities, challenge their strengths, and reach their fullest potential.

The Intern will be involved alongside the coach in all the planning, implementation and practical elements associated with Sligo Rovers first Team program. Plus all aspects of developing and implementing strength, speed/agility, conditioning, flexibility, mobility, and recovery protocols for the football program.

This is an unpaid, educational internship opportunity.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Assist Sligo Rovers First Team Development in all aspects of developing and implementing strength and conditioning to our First Team football squad, gather team data, take practical gym sessions and liaising with the management Team.
  • Assist with performance and strength testing.
  • Assist with preparing teams during gym and pitch sessions and on game day. Have a the capabilities to lead team gym sessions on your own and use own initiative to mix things up if necessary.
  • Assist Sligo Rovers First Team Development in all aspects of developing and implementing strength and conditioning to our First Team football squad, gather team data, take practical gym sessions and liaising with the management Team.
  • Assist with performance and strength testing.
  • Assist with preparing teams during gym and pitch sessions and on game day. Have a the capabilities to lead team gym sessions on your own and use own initiative to mix things up if necessary.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

  • Strong organizational, communications and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities.
  • Self-motivating personality, eager to succeed. Demonstrate high levels of leadership, confidence and innovation.
  • High stamina and ability to handle pressure.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with exceptional time management.
  • Enthusiastic, energetic and imaginative. Strong passion for the game of soccer.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Have a strong work ethic and desire to become a strength and conditioning professional. Should be enrolled in, or completing their Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Strength & Conditioning, Sports Performance or Performance Coaching, Physical Education, Exercise Science or related field.

Applications

Please send full CV and a cover letter outlining  previous experience and suitability for the role to administrator@sligorovers.com

Chris Rutherford to be inducted into Hall of Fame

The upcoming Sligo Rovers 2019 Awards and 1994 Reunion night will see two Sligo Rovers greats inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.

Tony Fagan and Joseph Ndo are among the legends already inducted.

The first player can be confirmed this morning. Chris Rutherford will received the honour this year in the Clayton Hotel on Friday 1 November.

A commanding central defender, Chris was a key personality in the team which won the League of Ireland title in 1977, scoring one of the goals in the famous win over Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds on the last day of the season.

Chris went on to win an FAI Cup medal with Rovers in 1983 before a serious knee injury forced him to retire at just 28 years of age.

He joined the coaching staff at the Showgrounds and was a member of Willie McStay’s backroom team when Rovers won the FAI Cup in 1994.

He also served as caretaker manager and assistant manager on a number of occasions.

We look forward to inducting Chris and welcoming his family on the night.

Tickets are on sale for the event which includes a two course meal with tea/coffee, complimentary drinks reception and more.

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE

This is not a night to miss with the 1994 team returning to Sligo, including manager Willie McStay and a host of players.

To book a table of 10, e-mail administrator@sligorovers.com

Photo courtesy of Alan Finn

BEAT IT! World Record Attempt Fashion Show

This Wednesday at The Radisson Hotel in Rosses Point our World Record Fashion Show Attempt takes place at 8pm in conjunction with EJ Menswear and Cancer Support Centre

EJ Menswear have been busy organising logistics and clothing and have also recruited some professional models and sports stars to be there on the night.

Nathan and Jake Carter will be in attendance, GAA stars Kieran Donaghy and Paul Flynn as well as Sean O’Brien from Irish Rugby.

The 2019 Donegal Rose will take part in the show along with other Roses and Rose of Tralee Escorts.

There will be former Miss Irelands and other popular acts coming along to support this big event.

Our first team squad will be strutting their stuff on the cat walk as well as manager Liam Buckley and club staff.

A key aspect to the night is raising awareness and vital funds for Sligo Cancer Support Centre. Unfortunately, many people in Sligo are affected with cancer and the support centre is a huge factor in people’s recovery and well being and acts as a massive support to those people affected.

If you or someone you care about have been diagnosed by cancer, The Sligo Cancer Support Centre is there to offer you peace and hope. The Centre is located in Wine Street in Sligo Town.

Another organisation involved in the running of the event are Sligo All Stars Basketball Club.

The club continue to work hard in the local community and help boys and girls from young ages learn and develop the basic skills in basketball. Sport is a vital part in the lives of children and it’s important for children to be active and involved and we are delighted as a club to be working alongside another sporting club which keeps children active.

On a more professional scale, the club continue to play in the National Basketball League and enjoyed a win over Portlaoise last Saturday night in The Mercy College. We would recommend taking in a game or two when the Bit O Red season finishes up.

We would like to thank Eamon and the staff at EJ Menswear for helping to organise the event, and wish them the very best in their 25th year of business.

INFORMATION:

PARK AND RIDE SERVICE:

A park and ride service is available from The Showgrounds Astro Turf car park tomorrow for both models and those attending the event. Leave your car at The Showgrounds and take the bus to and from the event and save yourself the hassle of parking as we expect hundreds to attend. The bus leaves at 6pm and will return for another journey at 6:30pm and 7pm. For more information keep an eye on our social media platforms.

MODELS – REGISTRATION:

Have you taken a sponsorship card? If so please return it today to the person who gave it to you. It is important everyone returns their cards as soon as possible.

Registration takes place between 6pm and 7pm so please arrive within that time and go to hotel reception where you’ll see the registration table sign posted.

We thank everyone for agreeing to take part in the show.

Event Tickets:

The event is expected to sell out. Please buy your event tickets from The Showgrounds office today or tomorrow between 10am and 2pm or EJ Menswear between 9:30 and 6pm to avoid disappointment. Tickets are €20.

BEAT IT! MEGA DRAW TICKETS:

You will find it difficult to find a bigger and better draw than this. We are giving away a 25 year season ticket which will give you access, for free, to EVERY Sligo Rovers League match until 2045.

EJ Menswear are giving away an amazing shop voucher worth €25,000. This can be redeemed in store and will be sure to keep you up to date on fashion over the next number of years.

To enter the draw online visit:
https://www.ejmenswear.com/men/beat-it-mega-draw-ticket

Tickets are just €10, and will also be available tomorrow night.

MC on the night is DJ Scruffy Duffy with Jake Carter assisting him with doors opening at 6:30pm. The event starts at 8pm.

Awards night: Vote for your Player of the Year

The 2019 Awards night will be held in the Clayton Hotel on Friday 1st November and you can vote for your Sligo Rover senior player of the year.

The night will coincide with the reunion of our 1994 team who famously won three trophies, including the FAI Cup.

There are a number of players nominated for Player of the Year.

Vote here

Tickets are on sale for the event for €50 from The Showgrounds

Awards night reminder

Sligo Rovers will host a 25th anniversary celebration for the 1994 FAI Cup winning side on Friday 1st November in the Clayton Hotel.

Willie McStay and members of the 1994 team will be guests at the dinner dance event which will include a complimentary drinks reception, two course meal with tea/coffee, music and more.

The 1994 side will all be present except two players who are based in Australia.

The night will also coincide with the Player of the Year awards for this season, from senior to underage and women’s team.

The awards will be presented on the night.

The 1994 team are coming home

Sligo Rovers legends will also be inducted into the Hall of Fame on the night as well as honouring a volunteer who has made a massive mark on the club.

Captain on the day of the FAI Cup victory to seal the treble win, Gavin Dykes, said: “It’s fantastic that the club are honouring the team and there is a great deal of excitement among all of us to catch up with the group.

“It looks like we’ll have nearly all the team with us and I know Willie is thrilled to be coming.

“The 1994 era was a special time in all our lives. For us it’s important to celebrate that time and we are delighted the club are organising this event.

“There’ll be a lot of stories, a lot of catching up and we hope to have a really memorable night.”

Tickets for the event are limited and on sale at the Showgrounds.

Tables of 10 are also available for corporate, please e-mail administrator@sligorovers.com

The 1994 team will also be honoured by the FAI at the FAI Cup final at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday 3 November.

Service for visually impaired

The National Council for the Blind of Ireland are keen to help Sligo Rovers fans that are visually impaired and provide a service at matches.

If there is any Sligo Rovers fans interested in providing audio description for visually impaired fans at Sligo Rovers matches please contact the NCBI in Sligo on 071-9170007.

Coughlan signs for 2020

Sligo Rovers are thrilled to confirm Ronan Coughlan has signed a new contract with the club.

The striker, who turned 24 last week, has had an impressive season at The Showgrounds including scoring eight league goals and putting in a number of man of the match displays.

Coughlan signed on the eve of the Premier Division season and had just one training session before his first start.

He struck up a dynamic partnership with Romeo Parkes as the duo contributed 19 lleague goals in total.

Coughlan’s performances saw him become a real favourite among Showgrounds fans and today he has signed a deal for the 2020 season – the 11th player now tied down.

Liam Buckley said: “We’re delighted to get Ronan signed up today. There was some interest from other clubs which didn’t come as a surprise after his performances this season. 

“He came in late in the day, when you consider he didn’t do any pre-season here.

“Ronan’s contribution overall has been excellent, his work-rate is terrific and what we wanted to add to his game over the course of the seasonhas been for him to get into areas to get more chances and as a result score more goals.

“He has certainly improved on that and we want more of it next season. He can get better and better.

“Ronan knows how valued he is here and altogether it gives him a strong platform to take into next year and make a big, big impact in this league.

“We have a good core group signed so far and we will build a very competitive squad. We want to take the progress we’ve made into next season because this year has been about getting us to a level to kick on.

“I want as many supporters as we can to row in behind us because the more people we have on board with us, the easier it makes it for the club behind the scenes and getting the players we want over these coming weeks. The board and the CEO are doing great work from that end. 

“We are going to continue our work on that and we have two more games to try to finish this year in the right manner. I expect the players to do that. 

“But we are also moving our focus towards 2020 as well. There’s a great opportunity for any player that comes here or that we re-sign.

“We’ve got a group of players here that are developing a mentality that gives you achance of achieving something.” 

We’ll hear from Ronan shortly.

Ireland game this Friday in Showgrounds – squad named

Republic of Ireland Under-19 Head Coach Tom Mohan has named his squad to play Denmark on Friday in The Showgrounds.

After last season’s fantastic campaign that concluded with a Semi-Final appearance in the UEFA Under-19 European Championships, Mohan’s side will use the Danish double-header in preparations for the upcoming Qualifying Round games against Switzerland, Austria and Gibraltar.

Borussia Monchengladbach’s Conor Noß is called into an Ireland squad for the first time. The German-born attacker has been part of recent first-team squads with the Bundesliga side in domestic and European games.

Mohan said he is looking forward to seeing 18-year-old play in Sligo.

“Conor plays at number 10. He was in our last training camp. He impressed a lot and is technically a very good player. He’s doing very well in Germany and we’re excited by him.”

Mohan is hoping the Sligo crowd come out and support the side as preparations to qualify for next year’s Finals in Northern Ireland move up another level.

“There’ll be an honest approach from the players. It’s an opportunity for the players to impress. We’re looking forward to a good crowd in Sligo for the games.”

The opening match takes place in The Showgrounds on Friday, October 11 at 7:30pm, followed by the second game on Monday, October 14 at 1pm.

Republic of Ireland Under-19 Squad
Goalkeepers: Sean Bohan (Bohemians), Jimmy Corcoran (Preston North End), Bobby Jones (Wigan Athletic)

Defenders: Ronan Boyce (Derry City), Ben Greenwood (AFC Bournemouth), Oisin McEntee (Newcastle United), Mark McGuinness (Arsenal), Mazeed Ogungbo (Arsenal), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Lewis Richards (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Timi Sobowale (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Jamie Bowden (Tottenham Hotspur), Barry Coffey (Celtic), Dawson Devoy (Bohemians), Donal Higgins (Galway United), Conor Grant (Sheffield Wednesday), Harvey Neville (Manchester United), Armstrong Oko-Flex (Celtic), Tyreik Wright (Aston Villa)

Forwards: Tom Cannon (Everton), Ryan Cassidy (Watford), Festy Ebosele (Derby County), Alex Gilbert (West Bromwich Albion), Conor Noß (Borussia Monchengladbach), George Nunn (Chelsea), Thomas Oluwa (Shamrock Rovers), Ross Tierney (Bohemians)