With a number of new signings and some exciting academy players impressing in pre-season, combined with the return of star striker Romeo Parkes, Sligo Rovers assistant manager John Russell is eagerly looking forward to Saturday nights’s SSE Airtricity League Premier Division opener when the Bit O’Red host Dundalk.
Although still registered as a player, Russell insists his focus is
“firmly on the coaching side of things at the moment.”
When you hear Russell speak about the players he and Liam Buckley have at their disposal it becomes clear why he is happy to remain on the sidelines.
“We’ve signed a couple of experienced players that know the league, which when you reflect on last year, we probably had players who didn’t know the league so hopefully that will be a big bonus.”
Among the new recruits is Greg Bolger, a league winner with Shamrock Rovers last year and Russell is delighted to have him on board.
“He’s a massive player. I was fortunate to play with Greg for two seasons at St Pats so I knew all about his qualities and leadership skills. He brings that bit of experience we probably were lacking the last season or two.
“In Sligo we have been promoting a lot of the youth players who h ave come through the academy and they are very good prospects but they are still learning the game. To have someone of Greg’s calibre and experience to come in and make the demands of the players around him and he’s pushed things on. He’s vocal and I think he will be a big addition. You can see it it already in pre-season and we’re delighted to have him.”
With the likes of David Cawley, Niall Morahan, and Garry Buckley competing with Bolger for places in the centre of imdfield it would seem as though Sligo Rovers will be strong in that area of the pitch but Russell insists the versatility within the squad should ensure the team is well equipped in all areas of the pitch.
Speaking about the club’s recruitment policy Russell said:
“A lot of the players we have signed have won things in the past and are also versatile so can play in a number of positions. Robbie McCourt can play centre back, that’s where he played last year for Waterford. He’s played left back and centre midfield for Bohemians. Garry Buckley the same, he was a midfielder by trade with Cork but actually started his career as a centre back and played in that position for us towards the end of last season. Himself and John Mahon formed a really good partnership. There’s not a lot better than the two of those lads in my opinion.
“Then add Shane Blaney who has come in from Doncaster. Another guy who is young and hungry to prove himself in a league that is as competitive as the Irish league and hopefully he will be a big addition for us. We’re delighted with where we are and at the moment and having that versatility, I think, is a good thing, especially when you have a tight squad and you are trying to maximise your budget and if you can sign players that can cover a number of positions then you are in a good poisition yourself.”
