Sligo Rovers have confirmed that John Russell is staying on as manager next season.
The club’s management committee issued a statement on Monday evening confirming the news.
It read: “This has been a challenging and difficult season for all of our supporters and the wider club.
“We have faith in John to move the club forward. Our priority is to build a squad for the new season and have a much improved year in 2024.
“As a young manager John will take the experience of this season and use it to move the side in a positive direction.”
Rovers finished third from bottom in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division this season, losing 19 matches.
Speaking to sligorovers.com, Russell said on Monday: “I’m delighted to extend my contract and lead this club into the 2024 season.
“I’d like to thank the management committee for their trust despite a very challenging season where results have not been good enough.
“I know the areas where we need to improve and I have been very active in the background over the past few weeks in terms of recruitment, staff and structures around the first team.
“I am determined to bring success to this club. I have learned a lot throughout the tough moments and I believe this will stand to me and the team going into next season.
“I know the supporters have suffered this season and I understand their frustration.
“Now it’s vital that we reset and rebuild a team that will give everything on the pitch and represent this club.
The club has confirmed that nine first-team squad members are leaving the Showgrounds.
They are: Lukas Browning, Johan Brannefalk, Frank Livaak, Gary Boylan, Mark Byrne, Garry Buckley, Daniel Lafferty, Pedro Martelo and Robbie Burton.
