Latest Bit o' Red signing started her WNL journey in Mayo

Sligo Rovers have announced the signing of women’s club captain Emma Hansberry until at least the end of the 2023 SSE Airtricity Women’s National League season.

Hansberry started her WNL journey with Castlebar Celtic, where she won Young Player of the Year and featured in the Team of the Season.

She later joined Wexford Youths, where she won an FAI Cup and three Women’s National League titles as well as competing in the Women’s Champions League.

The Sligo native was the Rovers club captain for their first ever WNL campaign last year, and has experience of international football having been involved in Republic of Ireland youth squads during her career.

Bit o' Red manager Steve Feeney is delighted that Hansberry has re-signed for another season. He said: “We are all delighted that Emma is with us again this season. She is a fantastic role model for all young players in the region to aspire to.

“She has achieved some great things in her career and won medals, but the big thing for me is she’s still as hungry as ever to achieve more and she is a valuable member of the club here at Sligo Rovers.”

Rovers took on Athlone Town in a pre-season friendly away from home on Saturday, a game which ended 2-2. Hansberry scored Rovers’ second goal with a long-range effort which flew into the top corner. Her free kick last season against Bohemians was a stand-out moment in 2022.

The player expressed her delight at her return to her local club: “I’m very happy to have signed for the 2023 season with Sligo Rovers. I’m really looking forward to the year ahead. We have learned a lot from our first year in the league last season, and we hope to be even more competitive this year.

“We have signed some exciting new players and we have kept the bulk of our squad from last season, which is a really positive start. We are all excited for our opening home game on March 4.”

Season tickets are available now for just €50 online at https://srfcdirect.com/season-tickets-2023.