RELIEF FOR ROVERS
SLIGO Rovers maintained their Premier Division status for 2018 on Friday night, with a 0-0 draw against Drogheda United enough to see them safe.
Chairman Martin Heraghty says difficult decisions had to be made throughout the year, particularly with finances, but it paid off as supporters, businesses, volunteers and the club rallied together to see Rovers safe.
“Everyone came together,” Mr Heraghty said. “A decision had to be made at one point, we knew what was in front of us, we took that financial decision to push the boat out during the summer transfer window and everyone rallied around and stuck together to help us with that.”
Ger Lyttle’s summer signings, in particular, Rhys McCabe, Seamus Sharkey and Vinny Faherty were vital to Rovers’ survival bid.
“With one in four teams going down this year we knew it was going to be difficult. Ger and the team really turned it around. One defeat in the last 12 really saved our Premier Division status.
“The supporters, financially and vocally, really went all out to support the club. It just shows you how they relish Sligo Rovers and shows what the club means to them.”
With eight players now signed up for next year, Heraghty knows that it is important this squad is built on for next year.
“We’re delighted we retained our status. Now it’s about building for next season. We had to put the strategic plan to one side with everything going on, so now we have to put the building blocks in place and aim again to be competing at the top of the Premier Division.
“It’s a challenge and without the goodwill of people it would be an awful lot tougher for us,” Mr Heraghty added.
Planning for 2018 has begun, with Kyle Callan-McFadden and Rhys McCabe committing to the club for the 2018 season, along with six others who had already signed deals for next year.