End of an era as Peers departs
THE news came at the weekend that Sligo Rovers stalwart Gavin Peers is leaving the club for St Patrick’s Athletic after eleven seasons. Tributes from fans were flooding on social media after the 31- year- old revealed the move on Saturday. Gavin said: “I never thought I would be doing this but that’s football for you. I’ve sadly decided not to return to Sligo next season. We tried to agree terms but it was difficult this year as my family wanted me back in Dublin. They were willing to move back to Sligo but with school commitments I couldn’t keep moving them around, it wasn’t fair to my eldest son and I already found it hard travelling back and forth and so did my family. “I made this decision for them as it’s time we settled down and I have had great support from them through my career especially through some tough times in the past when my future with Sligo was uncertain and my family were forced to move back to Dublin otherwise they would still be there. I’m happy to leave having helped to stabilise the club again. Sligo will always be a big part of me, it’s where my family grew, it’s where I got married, it’s where my youngest son was born, Sligo will always be a special place to us. I have had the privilege of playing with so many great players and for some great managers. I have won every domestic honour with Sligo and shared those fantastic days and great European nights with the brilliant fans. I say fans but I really mean friends. “I have made so many great friends and will always remain in contact. It will be strange playing against the bit o red but I still have a lot to give and am not hanging up the boots yet. I hope one day I will be back to manage Sligo, but that’s a bit away for now. I would like to thank on behalf of my family and I those managers that had belief in me, the players that I shared the dressing room with through the years, the committee members and backroom staff past and present at the club who work so hard behind the scenes. Since I came in 2006 the club has improved so much and have one of the best facilities in the league which is due to the success of the last 10 years. For the current squad I wish the best of luck, there’s some great young players in the club and I know as I leave Sligo Rovers I leave a great club with a bright future. I am myself looking forward to working with my new club and will be giving them everything as I have always done wherever I go. I hope I can help make more great memories with them as I had with Sligo Rovers. “Finally I would like to thank Dave Robertson for all he has done for me and I wish him and the team a successful 2017 season,” Gavin said. A statement from Sligo Rovers said: “After 11 years with the club and having won every honour in the domestic game Gavin Peers has decided to move on and relocate to Dublin, declining a new contract. Gavin leaves with the best wishes from all associated with the club.”
Manager Dave Robertson said “While we would like to have had Gavin for the coming season we understand family comes first and Gavin has been commuting to Sligo for a year with his wife and children based in Dublin. Gavin has been a warrior for this club, a real leader and has given huge commitment for over a decade. He is a winner and will be remembered in Sligo for years to come. I would like to thank him for his immense contribution and wish him well in his future career.”
Fans took to social media to wish the popular defender all the best for the future, recalling the great moments he was part of in his Rovers days.