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