LIAM’S FAILING TO BUCK’ THE TREND

“He’s put his ego to the side and been willing to learn, even at his age, and buy into what we do. He was brilliant.”

Towell was the big fish at Dundalk during his

“He’s put his ego to the side and been man enough to listen.”

One criticism levelled at Towell — from rival fans at least — is that he may be hitting the weights too hard as he looks

Bradley also hailed Andy Lyons for handling Friday’s derby occasion, where he scored the opening goal against Bohs, the club he left over the winter.

“When you get to know Andy and his character, he doesn’t get flustered. He takes everything in his stride,” he added.

“Even when we were speaking to him about signing, nothing about the rivalry came into his head. He’s very calm and level-headed.”

“They (the players) may not want to move family. it may be financial, but i’m happy with the players i’ve brought in and believe we’ll get better as we get them up to speed.”

Buckley was responding to comments made by his former player Conan Byrne on an RTÉ podcast.

Byrne believes that Sligo’s geographical location hinders their chances of signing top talent from within the league.

“it definitely needs changes,” said long.

“We have to try and strengthen.

“We need to strengthen in certain areas, that’s quite evident in our performances that we’ve put in so far.

“We’re working with the players that we’ve got until such a time as we can strengthen the group to try and help them.

“it’s been difficult to try and get players in and we’re also missing some with injuries like James Finnerty and Stephen Mallon.”

Buckley agreed the two-anda-half-hour journey from the east coast also plays a part in how players decide where they want to go.

A brace from David Cawley in the first three minutes put

Sligo 2-0 up, but a georgie Poynton goal, after ed Mcginty had saved a Chris lyons spot-kick, and a Shane Blaney og got the Drogs level.

After evan Weir saw red, Buckley (inset) smashed home Karl o’Sullivan’s corner for the home side’s winner.