CRETARO SIGNS UP FOR 2017 SEASON
Raffaele Cretaro has become the latest Sligo Rovers player to sign up for next season.
It comes as Cretaro is enjoying one of his career- best seasons as Rovers leading goal- scorer with nine goals to date.
This continues the building of the Bit o’Red squad for the future with Micheal Schlingermann, Gary Boylan, Kieran Sadlier, Gary Armstrong, Daniel Kearns and Tobi Adebayo- Rowling so far committed for 2017.
The contract will take Tubbercurry’s Cretaro into a 16th season at The Showgrounds.
Cretaro first joined the club back in 2000 making his debut in September of that year, with brief spells at Galway United and Bohemian FC.
His career appearance total with Rovers is now over 450 - the second all- time for the club, and with 79 goals scored he is the third all- time highest scorer and he is now just three behind Padraig Moran.
He also has an impressive list of honours with a Premier Division title ( 2012), two FAI Cups ( 2011 & 2013), Setanta Sports Cup ( 2014) and First Division ( 2005) during his time at The Showgrounds.
2016 has been a great year for Cretaro leading the line with his recent form particularly impressive with six goals in his last seven starts.
Dave Robertson says he is thrilled to have Cretaro on board for the 2017 season.
The Rovers manager hailed the contribution the 34- year- old has made to the club not just on the pitch as leading scorer but in many other respects. He spoke to sligorovers. com to give his reaction to the new contract: “It’s fantastic to have Raff signed for next year. There’s two big things about Raff: First and foremost he is a model professional who adheres to the utmost standards. It is great to have someone like that around the dressing room, training ground and the stadium. Secondly the experience that he brings is invaluable. He has been there, see it and done it in the League of Ireland. He has found the energy to consistently perform at a high standard.
“It is no surprise to me that he is our leading scorer this year, his goals have been massive for us. The club will continue to support him as well as he works on his coaching badges and continue his work with the under- 19s as I know that is what he wants to get into after he finishes playing. But I definitely think there is at least another year or two in him.
“He has led from the front for us this year and lead by example, that is why he is our top scorer. It is a pleasure for me to see that. I think anyone who knows Raff will know the work, dedication and commitment levels that he gives and he continues to work hard every day.”