Sligo Rovers have confirmed that John Russell has extended his stay as manager for next season.
The former Bit O'Red midfielder took charge of the side in June 2022 after a brief interim spell, and led them to a fifth-place finish in the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division.
The 2023 campaign was more of a struggle as Sligo finished eighth, eventually securing survival in the final weeks of the season.
"This has been a challenging and difficult season for all of our supporters and the wider club," said the club's management committee in a statement.
"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."
Russell, who took over following the departure of Liam Buckley, had this to say: "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."
Galway native Russell won two FAI Cups and a League Cup as a player with Sligo, before winning the league with St Patrick's Athletic in 2013, under the management of Buckley.
Sligo also confirmed that first-team players Lukas Browning, Johan Brannefalk, Frank Livaak, Gary Boylan, Mark Byrne, Garry Buckley, Daniel Lafferty, Pedro Martelo and Robbie Burton will be leaving the club.
Elsewhere in the League of Ireland, Shelbourne have announced the departure of JR Wilson, who brings an end to his second spell at Tolka Park.
Wilson made over 100 appearances for Shels and was part of both their 2019 and 2021 promotion campaigns.
Watch the FAI Cup final, Bohemians v St Patrick's Athletic, on Sunday from 2pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to live radio commentary on Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1.
