Update Two defensive signings for the coming season
Centre-backs Charlie Wiggett and Ollie Denham will add to the options to replace the injured John Mahon
SLIGO Rovers have bolstered their senior men’s squad with two new defensive signings in the past week.
Charlie Wiggett has joined the club on a permanent deal from Newcastle United, while Ollie Denham arrives on a loan from Cardiff City until the end of June.
Both players are primarily centre-backs with Wiggett also capable of slotting in at right-back.
Their signings bolster what was Rovers’ weakest area ahead of the new season with just three fully fit senior defenders available following John Mahon’s long-term achilles injury which left a troubling void in the heart of the defence.
Former Swindon Town and Chelsea academy player Wiggett spoke about his footballing journey which led to him recently training with the Newcastle United first team but now having a chance at regular game time.
“I started off at Swindon Town when I was 10 and moved to Chelsea when I was about 14. I had a good three years there and decided to push my career on at Newcastle.
“The next step for me is to play first team football and I think I can settle in well here and do well for myself and the team.”
The 21-year-old is said to be a calm and capable player on the ball but also highlighted how he isn’t afraid to be an aggressive, no-nonsense defender when dealing with opposition players.
“You want to get stuck in and let players know you’re there but I always wanted to balance my game and be composed when you do have the ball.”
Meanwhile, fellow defender Ollie Denham, who started out at the Manchester United Academy, said that he feels Rovers is a good fit for his style of play.
“I got a call saying there was interest, I hopped on a Zoom call to learn more from the gaffer [John Russell] and I liked what I heard and just went from there and I feel it will be easy to
NEW TO SLIGO: Ollie Denham,
and Charlie Wiggett,
have joined Rovers.
fit in here.”
He further touched on what he feels are the best qualities he will bring to the fray during his time at The Showgrounds.
Denham, who turns 22 in May,