Bolger signs up for another season at Sligo Rovers

Sligo Rovers have confirmed that Greg Bolger has committed to another season after the midfielder signed a one-year contract extension.

The 33-year old joined the Bit O’Red after leaving Shamrock Rovers in December 2020 and has been an influential figure in a Sligo Rovers team that currently sit in 3^rd place in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.

Talking to the club website about the contract extension, Wexford-born Bolger pointed to how welcome he’s felt since signing for the club.

“I’ve really enjoyed it in Sligo. I’ve really enjoyed the place, the club and the faith that has been shown in me. I’m delighted to sign for next season because I want to be here.

“From the minute I came down, the people at the club have been so welcoming and can’t do enough for you. As a player you are really appreciated and I value that.”

After a good start to the season the club form has dropped but Bolger is confident they can get into Europe and he believes in what Liam Buckley is building.

“We started the season really well and things have obviously dipped in the last while. The table doesn’t lie though. We’re in third place. We’re a good team. At the moment we’re frustrated and we’re hurting. But our season is this now.

“It’s five games to show we deserve to get Europe and a third place finish is there if we can take it. If we don’t get it, we won’t deserve it, so the challenge is there for us. We have to embrace it.

“I’m signing because I really believe in what we have here. This season has to be played out so my focus is on that but I’m just delighted to know I’ll be here next year because there is a lot great things going on at the club and I think it’s a brilliant place to be.”

GREG BOLGER BIO

Wexford born Greg started his career playing with New Ross Celtic before going on to play with Wexford Youths in the days before they had acquired league status. He also spent a year at Cherry Orchard before joining UCD in 2006.

Greg made his league debut with UCD in March 2007 as a substitute against Cork City and scored his first goal in 2008 against Derry City. He was also part of the Students side that won the First Division title in 2009 but it was in 2010 that Greg really came to prominence when he filled the boots of the influential Ronan Finn who had moved on to Sporting Fingal.

During the 2010 season he made 29 league appearances for UCD and scored seven goals. He was also chosen by Paul Doolin to represent the Irish U23 side that played against England and Estonia during the summer.

In January of 2011 he followed Finn across the city to sign for Sporting Fingal. However, one month later Fingal folded and within 24 hours Bolger had been snapped up by Ian Foster at Dundalk. Greg's Dundalk debut came in a 5-3 Setanta Cup win over Linfield in February and he made 24 league appearances throughout the season.

In January 2012 Greg confirmed a move to St Patrick's Athletic, signing for new boss Liam Buckley. He made 26 league appearances as Pats' title challenge faltered but in 2013 Greg took over the anchor role in Pats' midfield from the departed James Chambers and his influence was key to Pats winning the 2013 League title.

Greg stayed with St Pats for the 2014 season and made 24 league appearances as the Saints finished third that season. He also picked up an FAI Cup Winners medal as he was a part of the team that beat Derry City 2-0 in the final. He added a further 23 league appearances in 2015, scoring twice in the process, as the Saints finished fourth in the table.

In November 2015, Greg moved south to join Cork City and made his league bow for the rebels against Bohemians at Turner's Cross on 4 March 2016. He made 27 league appearances and scored one league goal, in a 3-0 home win over Shamrock Rovers. Greg also picked up his second FAI Cup winners medal when City beat Dundalk 1-0 in the final.

Greg spent two seasons at Turner's Cross and left in November 2017 to sign for Shamrock Rovers. He was a late substitute in Rovers' 2019 FAI Cup final win over Dundalk and was also part of the club's title winning team in 2020 despite it being a season troubled by injury.

In December 2020, Greg announced that Shamrock Rovers wouldn't be renewing his contract and he quickly signed for Liam Buckley at Sligo Rovers.