Rovers’ new kit as Boylan is back
Sligo Rovers manager Ger Lyttle says it’s unlikely that John Russell will be at the club for the 2018 season.
The Galway native first joined the club in 2010, winning the FAI Cup and the EA Sports Cup.
In 2011, Russell also played his part in the club’s FAI Cup final victory over Shelbourne.
The 32-year-old left the club in 2012, returning again in 2014 where he has stayed ever since.
We’ve been talking to John. John is an unbelievable guy. Certainly since I’ve come in he’s been a huge help and a huge influence in keeping this club up. He was a true professional, a great player and a great family guy. At the minute, potentially it’s not going to happen,” the Rovers boss said.
“It’s probably more on our side. We couldn’t meet the proper terms that John was expecting, and that’s no fault of John’s. He’s a family man. We’ve had a long discussion with him, it’s not looking as if John will be here next season”, he added.
Club officials further praised the contribution Russell made at the club and said his place in Sligo Rovers history is assured as he moves on.
The Bit O’Red also confirmed yesterday that both Benny Igiehon and Mick Leahy will not be returning to the club.
Raff Cretaro is the only remaining player from the 2017 squad who is expected to re-sign, but Lyttle insists he is still in talks with goalkeeper Shaun Patton.
In an interview with RTE.ie, the Donegal man spoke about the injury that ended his season with just 60 minutes left, as he was forced off after 30 minutes in the final game of the season against Drogheda United.
Lyttle insists that his injury will not be a factor in whether or not he will be offered another contract.
“Definitely not. The injury will go away, he’s probably a couple of weeks, a week after pre-season he would be back training. Shaun has to decide himself, is he going to come in and challenge Micheal Schlingermann. Personally I think he’s at a stage in his career where he needs to be a first choice goalkeeper and he probably needs a good season at a level where he’s playing week in, week out and it’s a big decision that he will have to make himself.”
As for other changes within the Rovers set-up, Ger is yet to sit down with his backroom staff to discuss who will be staying on for the 2018 season.
“It remains to be seen. We’re trying to sort some things out. Everything comes down to budgets, it’s difficult. They’re great lads. It’s probably going to be a difficult conversation with one or two as well. It’s part and parcel of the job. We have to be realistic as well. Last year was a learning curve. We can’t be silly. For me, my ambition here is long term and it remains that way.”
Rovers will return to training on January 5th, with pre-season training officially starting on January 8th.