Sligo Rovers have secured a major coup ahead of the new League of Ireland season with the signing of former Republic of Ireland underage international Jake Doyle-Hayes.
The experienced midfielder has penned a one-year deal with the Bit O’Red and is available for selection in their season opener against Waterford at The Showgrounds this Saturday.
Doyle-Hayes, 26, brings a wealth of experience to the Rovers midfield, having spent the past decade in England and Scotland. A native of Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan, he moved to Aston Villa at just 16, where he developed in their youth system before gaining senior experience on loan at Cheltenham Town and Cambridge United.
In 2020, he moved north to the Scottish Premiership, impressing with St Mirren before joining Hibernian a year later, where he became a key player at Easter Road.
His time in Edinburgh saw him make just shy of 70 appearances, but following his departure from Hibs last month, interest in his signature was high.
With options both in Ireland and abroad, Doyle-Hayes opted for Sligo, and manager John Russell is confident the new recruit will make a significant impact.
“There was obviously a lot of interest in Jake given his quality and experience,” Russell said. “The level he has played at is extremely high, and he brings a lot of experience to the group, so I’m delighted to bring him to the club. Jake brings real energy and aggression to our midfield.
He is very comfortable on the ball, and I think he will fit in perfectly with the way we want to play. It was important we added some experience to our group in the window, and I feel Jake can make a big impact with us.”
For Doyle-Hayes, the opportunity to return to Ireland and play in the League of Ireland for the first time is one that excites him, particularly given the growing competitiveness of the league.
“After the manager got in contact, I spoke to people who I consider to have a good knowledge of the League of Ireland,” he said.
“They all mentioned how competitive it was last year and how that’s not likely to change this year. So that’s exciting for me as I know I can make a difference in big moments.”
With plenty of positive feedback from former teammates about both the league and Sligo Rovers as a club, Doyle-Hayes is relishing the challenge ahead.
“A few lads I would have played with have played here at home too, and they all had great things to say about the league. I also know a few who played here with Rovers, and everything they told me was positive. There’s a big fan base here, and I can’t wait to get out there in front of them.”
The former Villa academy man endured a difficult 2024 season, battling a persistent ankle injury, but he is confident that his fitness issues are behind him and is eager to contribute immediately.
“I’ve had ten great years over there. I moved over quite young but had a lot of exposure to some great coaches from a young age. I’ve also played with some top players and have gathered knowledge from them and by being in some really experienced changing rooms.
“It’s been a tough couple of years for me recently, but I’m looking forward to playing as many games as I can for Rovers and getting back to my best. I’ll do my best to add to what we already have here. I think this squad is more than capable of finishing high up the league table.”
With the new League of Ireland season fast approaching, Sligo Rovers fans will be hoping their latest acquisition can provide the quality and leadership needed to propel the club into contention in 2025.
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