Elding named Player of the Month

Sligo Rovers’ Anthony Elding has been named Airtricity League/Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland Player of the Month for March.

Elding has made a scintillating start to his Sligo Rovers career after signing for the Bit O’Red during the close season. Six goals in as many league games for the first month of the season makes the former Leeds United man a worthy recipient of the award.

Rory Patterson of Derry City and Barry Murphy of Shamrock Rovers took second and third place respectively. However, there was very little doubt over who would win this award what with the start to the season that Elding has made.

In Sligo’s most recent game, at home to Shelbourne, it was Elding who was the hero once more as he scored both goals in a 2-0 victory.

The 30-year-old follows on from three Sligo players who won the award last season- Danny North, Mark Quigley and Jason McGuinness were all recognised for their performances at some stage last year.

Speaking about winning the award, the Lincolnshire lad was understandably delighted. He said: “I’m over the moon with the award. As a striker, you want to score a few goals and have an impact on games, but I didn’t think it would go this well so early on.”

At one stage in his career Elding had become so disillusioned with the game that he considered packing it in. He has no such thoughts these days however.

“Winning the award is quite special considering I was close to giving the game up not that long ago. I have won awards in the past, but to do it in another country, when you are relatively unknown, is something special.”

Sligo manager Ian Baraclough added that his player would be very grateful for the part played by his team-mates in his winning of this award. He said: “It always helps striker to settle in quickly when they get a few goals. Anthony will be the first one to admit that and also to highlight the contribution of others in the team.”