Sligo Rovers have appointed their interim boss John Russell as manager on a permanent basis until the end of the 2023 season.
Russell succeeds Liam Buckley, who parted company with the Bit O' Red on 22 May. The new man at the helm was assistant to Buckley during his four years in Sligo.
The 37-year-old managed the team on an interim basis for the recent win over Derry City and the draw against UCD last Friday night in Dublin.
Russell’s first competitive game in charge will take place against Finn Harps on 18 June at The Showgrounds at 7.45pm.
The Galway native enjoyed an 18 year-long playing career, in which he made over 130 appearances for Sligo in three spells starting in 2010
The signing proved to be a major part in the club’s success in his first two seasons at the club, with Russell winning the FAI Cup and EA Sports Cup in 2010, and another FAI Cup in 2011.
Russell worked as a development officer for the FAI in the region before linking up with Buckley.
He said: '’I am privileged and honoured to be appointed as first team manager of Sligo Rovers. Sligo Rovers is the heartbeat of the community and I want all the supporters to know that I am determined to improve this team.
"I have a clear vision and strategy for the club going forward. I know first-hand the quality of players we have in our dressing room.
"This group has a real willingness to learn and improve. It’s an exciting time to be following Sligo Rovers with the league games resuming, European football next month, and the FAI Cup around the corner. We are all looking forward to the challenges ahead."
Sligo chairman Tommy Higgins said that after an extensive search, interim boss Russell was the best candidate to lead the club forward
He added: ‘’We are thrilled to make this announcement this afternoon. After a rigorous recruitment process, we are fully satisfied that John is the right man to take us forward and lead us on our journey over the coming season and a half at least.
"John knows the club inside out and has a great work ethic and passion for the club which stands out and his in-depth knowledge of our Academy, the local community and club as a whole, which will help him over the coming weeks and months.
"John is a very driven individual and has shown great leadership in just a short time as interim manager. We are excited and looking forward to our future with John at the helm."
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