Parkes and Dunleavy sign new deals

Sligo Rovers can today confirm that Johnny Dunleavy and Romeo Parkes have signed new contracts with the club for the 2020 season.

Dunleavy has been an impressive performer after signing from Cork City, playing 20 games and featuring in defence and midfield.

Parkes has scored seven league goals as Rovers top goalscorer so far as contributing a number of assists as a key part of the team.

Romeo Parkes said: “I’m happy to extend my contract today. I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far. The people are great and the club is very nice to be at.

“I think we’ve done okay but I’d like for us to keep improving. I’ve scored some goals and I think there can be more to come.

“The fans have been very good to me since I’ve come here. I want to keep scoring and help the team because we can achieve something in this period for the club.

“That’s what I want to do this season and next year.”  

Johnny Dunleavy added: “The manager spoke to me about the possibility of extending my contract and I was delighted to sign. When I arrived here the target first and foremost was to get back playing.

“I’ve done that. There was a couple of niggles here and there as you’d expect, but I’m feeling stronger and stronger and I think my performances are reflecting that now.

“It takes time to blend what is really a totally new group and even now we are seeing little partnerships starting to emerge but I think we are getting there.

Liam Buckley with the two re-signings

“There’s a lot to play for in the rest of the season but in re-signing today, Niall Morahan yesterday and now Romeo as well, I think it’s a statement of intent of what the club is thinking. For me it has been a breath of fresh air. I’ve loved it and it’s a fantastic place to be.

“We’re trying to build something and having had an initial target of being back on the pitch, the next one is to bring some great days to this club. That’s why we’re all here.”

Liam Buckley said: “Johnny and Romeo are two of our senior players who have done very well for us.

“Johnny is a great lad to have around the place and a brilliant player who brings a wealth of experience. We’re delighted with his contribution so far and he will play a big part in our future.  

“Romeo has made a real impact as well and leads the line superbly. He has taken to the league very quickly and again I think we’ll see even more from him over the next season and a half.

“Every manager has to look to the future and I will do that at the appropriate times. We have nine league games and an FAI Cup second round match to come before next year so there is lots left in this season.

“I can tell you that there is no danger of complacency from the management point of view and we’ll be making sure that is case for all of us. There are teams below us and above us fighting for points every week so we have to maintain our level of work-rate and all of that.

“Today I’m delighted to have Romeo and Johnny on board for next season and we look forward to the future.”