John Russell to remain on as Sligo player-assistant manager

Premier Division Sligo Rovers have confirmed that John Russell has signed a new deal with the club continuing in his role as player-assistant manager.

34-year-old Russell joined the club for his third stint last year, this time joining the management staff as assistant to Liam Buckley.

While being on Buckley’s backroom staff, he made 10 appearances throughout the year for the Bit O’Red.

“John (Russell) has been very influential in the last 12 months and is a vital part of the staff,” Buckley told his club’s media team.

“He is hugely respected at the club and rightly so because of what he has achieved as a player, and now what he is bringing as an assistant manager on a daily basis.

“He understands the football club and challenges the players to become better every single day. He is a great sounding board to me, his knowledge and wealth of talent is invaluable, so I’m delighted with this news.

“We also retain him as a player. At 34 I still think he has a lot to offer and we saw him step in last year and do well.

“If you could see him in pre-season now, he is as fit as you will get. It’s a no-brainer again to have him available to play.”