Jamaican international Parkes and defender Dunleavy sign new deals with Sligo Rovers

Sligo Rovers duo Romeo Parkes and Johnny Dunleavy have become the latest members of Liam Buckley’s squad to commit themselves to the Bit o’ Red for the 2020 season.

Jamaican international Parkes and Dunleavy join Niall Morahan in signing new deals after the Ireland under-19 midfielder became the first beneficiary of the club’s scholarship scheme with Sligo IT.

Both Parkes and Dunleavy joined the club on one-year deals ahead of the current season from Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Cork City respectively.

Parkes, who has four caps for his country, is the Bit o’ Red’s top scorer with seven goals so far in this campaign.

Dunleavy has shaken off the chronic injuries that plagued his time on Leeside to become a regular in defence with 20 appearances to his name to date.

“I’m happy to extend my contract today,” Parkes told the club’s official website.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far. The people are great and the club is very nice to be at. I think we’ve done okay but I’d like for us to keep improving. I’ve scored some goals and I think there can be more to come.

“The fans have been very good to me since I’ve come here. I want to keep scoring and help the team because we can achieve something in this period for the club. That’s what I want to do this season and next year.” 

Dunleavy added: “The manager spoke to me about the possibility of extending my contract and I was delighted to sign. When I arrived here the target first and foremost was to get back playing.

“I’ve done that. There was a couple of niggles here and there as you’d expect, but I’m feeling stronger and stronger and I think my performances are reflecting that now.

“It takes time to blend what is really a totally new group and even now we are seeing little partnerships starting to emerge but I think we are getting there.

“We’re trying to build something and having had an initial target of being back on the pitch, the next one is to bring some great days to the club. That’s why we’re all here.”

Buckley hailed the impact the two experienced players have had since arriving at the Showgrounds, adding: “Johnny and Romeo are two of our senior players who have done very well for us.

“Johnny is a great lad to have around the place and a brilliant player who brings a wealth of experience. We’re delighted with his contribution so far and he will play a big part in our future. 

“Romeo has made a real impact as well and leads the line superbly. He has taken to the league very quickly and again I think we’ll see even more from him over the next season and a half.

“Every manager has to look to the future and I will do that at the appropriate times. We have nine league games and an FAI Cup second round match to come before next year so there is lots left in this season.

“I can tell you that there is no danger of complacency from the management point of view and we’ll be making sure that is case for all of us.”