Hoops gunning for Sligo in season opener
AFTER a 54-game marathon in 2022, Shamrock Rovers embark on a new season in the shadow of Ben Bulben tonight, as the team everyone wants to beat — especially as they chase the four-in-a-row grail.
If the Hoops are to emulate the feats of the 1984-87 green and white record-breakers, they will look to rap out a message of intent against Sligo Rovers in The Showgrounds (7.45).
Manager Stephen Bradley will turn to Rory Gaffney after resting his star striker for the President’s Cup defeat to Derry last Friday.
‘Rory was okay last week but we left him out. Gary O’Neill is also back,’ he said.
Bradley was not too perturbed by the outcome at the Brandywell.
‘It was a really good game to prepare ourselves for Sligo. I felt there were a lot of things we did really well in the game and there were obviously some things we need to improve on
‘All the subs at half-time were pre-planned to get them minutes. We won’t rush anyone back. I said from the first day of pre-season that our focus has been the first league game of the season,’ he said.
‘It’s not about everyone flying early on, it’s about everyone contributing at different points of the season, and I’ve no doubt we’ll need that again.’
Even though top scorer Aidan Keena has left for Cheltenham Town in League One, Bradley expects Sligo to put it up to the champions.
‘I think they’re a much more difficult opposition than what we faced last year. They have some really dangerous attacking players. It’s always a tough place to play,’ said Bradley.
Since 2020, Rovers have begun successive seasons with a 1-1 against St Pat’s, a 1-0 win over Bohemians and a 3-0 win over UCD.