On Sunday we held our annual Super Reds days for our young fans to collect their 2019 Sligo Rovers season ticket and complimentary jersey.

We had a great crowd of young Rovers fans and their parents who endured the tough conditions on the day.

Our first-team put on coaching sessions and played a few football matches with the young fans, plus autographs and photographs.

Thanks to everyone that joined us on the day and we can’t wait to see you all on the first home game of the season on Friday 22 February at 7:45pm in The Showgrounds.

Sligo Rovers recorded a 4-0 win over Athlone Town in the penultimate pre-season match of 2019 at Athlone Town Stadum.

Ronan Murray opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 16 minutes, but then suffered an ankle injury when running with no Athlone player near.

He tried to continue but couldn’t shake it off and Jack Keaney was introduced.

The second goal arrived just before the break when the substitute Keaney sent a crisp strike from 25 yards low into the net.

Keaney made in three from the spot after Trialist B was fouled in the 57th minute.

Liam Kerrigan rounded off the scoring after a long run from the halfway line which was aided to by good work by John Mahon coming out from defence.

Sligo Rovers team: McNicholas (McGinty 45), Dunleavy (Trialist B 45), Mahon, Leverock, Donelon; Callan-McFadden, Trialist A, Kerrigan, Twardek (Lynch 82), Parkes (Morahan 45), Murray (Keaney 18).

Sligo Rovers are very pleased to announce the signing of Nigerian striker Brendan Ogbu, subject to work permit and international clearance.

Ogbu moves to Sligo after spending a very successful career in his domestic league.

He scored 12 goals in 14 matches for Bayelsa United in the Nigeria National League season last campaign.

Ogbu was previously with Enugu Rangers, FC Heartland, Warri Wolves, Ifeanyi, Rangers International and FC Heartland.

He won the Nigerian FA Cup with Heartland, taking the man of the match award in the final, and player of the year that campaign overall with 17 goals in the season.

Liam Buckley said: “Brendan can play across the front three including as a number nine. He came across my radar at St Patrick’s Athletic but at the time we had Christy Fagan and he wasn’t available then afterwards.

“We needed to broaden our search in looking for a striker because it’s a limited market and Brendan has proven himself as a goalscorer in Nigeria as someone I feel is worth bringing here.

“He’s a big lad, very dangerous around the penalty area and he’s going to bring something we’re looking for.

“It’s up to the team to be playing well to create chances and I think he’ll relish this opportunity. We’re looking forward to him joining up with us.”

Ogbu said: “I have been so keen to receive a chance like this and prove myself in Europe.

“I can’t wait to meet all the Sligo fans and I want to help the team have a very good season.

“I will be prepared correctly to play for Sligo Rovers and try to score goals like I have done in Nigeria for many years.”

Niall Morahan has been catching the eye for the Bit O’ Red early in pre-season and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

The Leitrim teenager signed a professional deal with the club last year and is clearly making progress.

Morahan said: “I’m really enjoying my first pre-season. It’s a new experience for me so I’m learning everyday.

“I wanted to hit the ground running and give it a good go. The sessions are always hard work but being back with the lads makes it enjoyable.”

The 18-year-old has featured in both of Rovers’ games so far, so when asked if playing that environment has been bringing him on, he was quite sure.

“Absolutely. It’s good to get some playing time after the off-season and I always enjoy playing for the club, especially the first team.

“It’s a good test for me and the gaffer is always challenging us all to get into his philosophy. I think it’s something I can do well in, but I know there’s a lot of work ahead. It’s early days but I’ll be doing my best to put my hand up and show what I can do.”

After making his first appearances, Niall was given his first start by Brian Dorrian last October in the win over Shamrock Rovers which certainly aided his cause with Liam Buckley watching on.

“I was delighted to finally get my first start under my belt.

“After making a few appearances as a sub it was great to start in a game like that.

“It was an important learning experience for me. It was nice to get the win too.”

Niall is keen to show what he can do wearing the Bit O’ Red.

“I’m looking to play as much first-team football as possible this year. I want to learn as much as I can under Liam and John to help me keep improving.

“I think the club have a great management team in place and the experience of Liam and coaching expertise from John is brilliant to be under.

“I’d also like for a successful season with the team. I don’t want the odd good night. That’s the attitude Liam is pointing us towards. We want to win a lot of games this year and see where it takes us.”

It’s a big day on Sunday – a day specifically for our Super Reds as they collect their season tickets and jerseys for the new season.

Join us at 2pm to 4pm in The Showgrounds where all those who purchased Super Reds tickets before Christmas can collect the tickets and the complimentary jersey if purchasing that package.

After that there’ll be training with our players on The Showgrounds with coaching drills. We’ll also have face painting to get that Bit O’ Red.

Parents can also enjoy tea and coffee in the meantime. We’ll see you on Sunday!

The Bit O’ Red Supporters Trust and Sligo Rovers in conjunction with Anderson’s Bar & Grill are hosting a Season Launch Night on Friday 8th February.

This is a free event with lots of guests appearing on the stage on the night.

Ocean FM’s Austin O’Callaghan is the emcee, and guests include Anthony Elding, Alan Keane, journalists Jessica Farry, David Goulden and Jim Gray, past and present of the Sligo Champion.

There will be video messages from past players from around the UK and Liam Buckley with some members of the team of 2019.  

This is just a taste of what’s happening on what promises to be a great night in an informal setting to look ahead to the new season.

We would encourage as many fans to come along on the night to show our support to the team.

Join us for our annual Race Night in Furey’s Pub Sligo on Saturday.

Last year’s Race Night provided a huge night of fun and laughter for all supporters, with a big night anticipated once again this year.

The first race takes place at 9.30pm sharp, with horses available to buy for €20 and race sponsorship available for €100 from any committee member.

Alternatively you can purchase a horse or sponsorship a race here: https://www.sligorovers.com/product-category/fundraising/

All support is greatly appreciated by everyone at the club.

Sligo Rovers will face Athlone Town next Saturday and it should be noted that the kick-off time has changed.

Rovers will take on the First Division side at 2pm in Athlone, following a change by the home side this morning.

The next game is Ballinamallard on Tuesday.

The schedule is

Tuesday 22nd January

Sligo Rovers 11-0 Sure Sports FC, Milebush Park

Saturday 26th January

Sligo Rovers 3-0 Galway United, Milebush Park,

Tuesday 29th January

Ballinamallard v Sligo Rovers, Ferney Park, 7:30pm

Saturday 2nd February

Athlone Town v Sligo Rovers, Athlone Town Stadium, 2pm

Saturday 9th February

Longfor Town v Sligo Rovers, City Calling Stadium, 7:30pm

The #bitored send our condolences to the family of supporter Ray Cawley following his passing on Friday.

There was many smiles on the Railway Terrace with friends and fans that are in the thoughts of all at Sligo Rovers at this sad time.

May he rest in peace 🔴⚪️

Sligo Rovers recorded a 3-0 win over Galway United on Saturday in Castlebar.

Dante Leverock opened the scoring from a tap-in from a free-kick.

Regan Donelon doubled the lead with a fine strike from a free-kick.

Donelon made it three with an even more impressive set-piece, curling the ball into the net from 25 yards

Leverock went off injured in the final minute with a minor ankle injury.

Next up is Ballinamallard on Tuesday in Ferney Park.

Liam Buckley interview: https://audioboom.com/boos/7155267