Max Mata returns to Sligo Rovers

Max Mata redies himself to take a penalty during Sligo Rover's 3-2 win over UCD at the UCD Bowl on Friday, 24 February 2023.

Max Mata Credit: John Crothers (ETPhotos)

The Bit O’Red have bolstered their squad with the signing of the New Zealand international. 

Max Mata has re-signed for the Sligo Rovers on a short team loan ahead of the league opener on Friday night. 

The Kiwi was the club’s top scorer last season with 11 goals, despite the forward leaving last summer. 

Since leaving the Showgrounds, the forward has struggled for game time. He has played 11 league times for Shrewsbury Town and has scored just once. 

Mata spoke to extratime.com and Ocean fm’s Donal Ryan about his return to Sligo and claimed going back to Sligo once it became an option was his ‘first choice’.

“So, the situation over at my club in England was I was not finding much game time. I was pretty much looking around where I could go, and this was an option for me, and it was definitely one I was excited to take. 

“Sligo was always my first choice. 

“First day in, a lot of new faces which is good but a lot of the same faces which is also very good. But not only for myself, but for the club. 

“So, it’s looking for a strong squad and I’m really excited for the first game tomorrow”. 

The 23-year-old return is a timely boost for the Bit O’Red who have tipped to struggle this season my many fans and pundits. 



Mata is ineligible for the first game against Bohemian’s due to international clearance but will be hoping to be available for the game next week against Derry City. 

Elsewhere, Brian Kerr believes that a former Republic of Ireland international will not take the Irish job.

About Luke Jordan

Luke joined the extratime.com team in 2022 and is the current host of the extratime.com podcast.

He’s been a follower of the league since 2007 after the FAI Soccer camps gave out … View Full Profile