Donelon expected to leave Bit O’Red
AS Liam Buckley moves closer to finalising his squad for the new season, it appears that one player unlikely to return is the club’s longest serving player Regan Donelon.
The signing of Colm Horgan, who can play on the left along with the right, along with the earlier acquisition of Robbie McCourt who can also play on that side, means that there is likely to be no place for Donelon in the squad with the versatile Lewis Banks more than capable of playing on both the left and the right.
It is understood that the 24-year-old was offered terms by the club, but no agreement was reached.
It seems as though Horgan’s arrival will end any speculation as to whether or not Donelon will return.
If confirmed, it brings to an end the Galway man’s seven season stint in the senior team, having joined the club’s under 19s in 2013.
He made over 100 league appearances for the Bit O’Red during that stint, and in the last couple of season established himself as an integral part of the Rovers team, particularly his set-pieces.
Meanwhile, it is unclear whether or not Jesse Devers will be making a return to Rovers following his impressive season throughout 2020.
The Mayo man surprised many with his hard working performances, and was a livewire.
Liam Buckley is expected to make further additions to his squad in the coming weeks, with just a couple more players needed to fill the squad.
Rovers get their season underway on March 20th when they host Dundalk at The Showgrounds.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Sport, Jack Chambers, last week confirmed that the Government will be on hand to help with restarting the League of Ireland should they be needed.
Chambers met with the FAI last week to discuss issues which included Covid-19 and how it has affected the League of Ireland.
It was reported last week that a package of a round €3.6million would be available for clubs, but the details of that fund are yet to be confirmed.
“I made clear the Government’s support for the return of the League of Ireland. It’s important for the football community that our national league commences. I also provided assurances that we will provide additional supports in the period ahead,” Jack Chambers TD said in a tweet.
There is still no indication of a date for the resumption of grassroots football, including junior football and schoolboys.