Bit O'Red sign Finnish defender Penninkangas

Sligo Rovers have added Finnish defender Teemu Penninkangas to their ranks ahead of the 2020 SSE Airtricity League Premier Division season which will kick-off next month.

Penninkangas, who can play both left full-back and centre back arrives at the Showgrounds having spent his career to date in his native Finland.

Bit O’Red boss Liam Buckley spoke to sligorovers.com about his delight at capturing the signature of his latest acquisition shortly after the announcement.

“It’s a signing that is really going to fit in with how we play. Teemu can play as a left-back or wing-back as well as in the middle of defence and I feel we are well-stocked in that area now.

“He’s tall, physical, he reads it well and he can also come up from the back and score goals which he has done consistently throughout his career.”

The 6ft 4in defender also spoke to the club’s website after signing on the dotted line.

“I’m very happy to become a Sligo Rovers player today. It has always been a dream of mine to play abroad.

“This is a very good club in a strong league and a challenge I really look forward to.

“I have had good times in Finland and been part of teams that have achieved great things. I’d like to do that here and help Sligo reach their goals.

“The manager and the coaches convinced me this is the place for me. I can’t wait to play my first game.”

During the announcement Rovers boss Buckley also hinted that the majority of his side’s business is done, however, along with his backroom team of Dave Campbell and John Russell they are still hopeful of bringing a new forward to the Showgrounds.

“There isn’t much more business to do, we are looking for a new striker. You’ll find that most clubs in the division are too so it’s not particularly easy. I can say that in this off-season I’ve researched more players than you would believe, along with Dave Campbell and John.”

Sligo kick-off their 2020 campaign with trip to Ballybofey to take on Ollie Horgan’s Finn Harps on February 14^th.