Mayo men among nine players released by Sligo Rovers

Nine players have departed Sligo Rovers following the conclusion of the 2023 season, among them Mayo natives Gary Boylan and Mark Byrne.

They join Lukas Browning, Johan Brannefalk, Frank Livaak, Garry Buckley, Daniel Lafferty, Pedro Martelo and Robbie Burton in leaving The Showgrounds with best wishes for the future from the Bit o' Red.

Boylan, from Belmullet, and Byrne, a Kilkelly native, both spent this season on the sidelines with major injuries.

The last update from the club on Byrne came during October, when it was revealed that he had keyhole surgery earlier in the month to ensure a full return to fitness in 2024 following his cruciate ligament injury.

Boylan was also laid low with a knee injury and the last update on him came in July, when Rovers indicated he was expected to be out for the season – a scenario that came to pass.

Meanwhile, the Bit o' Red have confirmed that manager John Russell will lead the club in the 2024 League of Ireland Premier Division season.

A statement from the club’s management committee reveals: “This has been a challenging and difficult season for all of our supporters and the wider club. We have faith in John to move the club forward.

“Our priority is to build a squad for the new season and have a much improved year in 2024. As a young manager, John will take the experience of this season and use it to move the side in a positive direction.”

Speaking in The Showgrounds this morning, Russell commented: “I’m delighted to extend my contract and lead this club into the 2024 season. I’d like to thank the management committee for their trust despite a very challenging season where results have not been good enough.

“I know the areas where we need to improve and I have been very active in the background over the past few weeks in terms of recruitment, staff and structures around the first team.

“I am determined to bring success to this club. I have learned a lot throughout the tough moments and I believe this will stand to me and the team going into next season.

“I know the supporters have suffered this season and I understand their frustration. Now it’s vital that we reset and rebuild a team that will give everything on the pitch and represent this club.

“The hard work has already started and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”