Latest news with #JohnRussell


Irish Independent
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Latest recruit Seb Quirk ‘sees the project' at Sligo Rovers despite being ‘daunted' by the move at first
Sligo Champion Today at 09:30 By his own admission, the prospect of moving to Sligo was somewhat 'daunting' at first for Sligo Rovers' newest recruit Seb Quirk. The Liverpool native is John Russell's first summer signing, and he jumped at the chance to come and play for a club he already knows so much about.


RTÉ News
7 days ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
LOI preview: Break over and Sligo eye winning bounce, with in-form Waterford heading to the Showgrounds
As it has been for more than a few weeks now, Sligo Rovers' quest for league points is paramount and the Premier Division's basement club welcome Waterford FC to the Showgrounds this evening, seeking only a second win this season on their home patch. Rovers boss John Russell is steadfast in his view that his side can turn it around. Recent performances would indicate that Sligo are not mere cannon fodder in this league; they have been scoring goals, but defensive lapses are costing them dearly. Their fixture before the mid-season break saw them lose 1-0 at home to St Pat's Athletic. On Good Friday, the Bit O'Red thumped Waterford 4-0 at the RSC, a result that brought Keith Long's time at the club to an end. Enter Coleman, who previously had a spell in charge of Sligo. The experienced 62-year-old joined the Blues with more than 1200 games as boss under his belt having also worked at the likes of Accrington Stanley, Gillingham and Rochdale in England. He steadied a leaking ship, with some of Waterford's recent games – most notably that 2-2 draw with Pat's at Richmond Park – an indication that their true worth is higher than their current position of eight in the table. In team news, Ollie Denham is Rovers' only injury concern in the lead up to this evening's clash. The centre-half continues to struggle with a sports hernia injury but is expected to return to training next week. For Waterford, Rowan McDonald is out through suspension, while Kacper Radkowski remains absent after picking up an ankle injury prior to the mid-season break. Trae Coyle, Matty Smith and Andy Boyle remain injured, with Coleman hopeful of having Trae Coyle and Andy Boyle back involved in matchday squads in the coming weeks. Looking ahead to the game, John Russell feels there is more to come from his young squad. He told "The players have enjoyed their short breaks and have come back in great shape knowing what is ahead of us. It was important that the lads were able to switch off for a brief period and enjoy time with family and friends before returning fully focused earlier this week. They are refreshed and ready to face Waterford and what's ahead in the coming weeks. "Obviously, we completed the first half of the season in a position we do not want to be in. That is why myself and the staff here have been working through the summer break as the planning went on in an effort to try and lift us from our current position. "We sent the players away after the defeat to Pat's and asked them all to reflect on how things have gone the last few months. A few haven't reached their potential, while some of the lads, particularly our younger ones have done really, really well considering the difficult circumstances. "But we are all working extremely hard to turn this around and I think if we continue to do so, we absolutely will lift ourselves away from where we are in the table." As for Coleman, it's about building on the work done so far under his stewardship, while not underestimating what the hosts will bring at the Showgrounds. Speaking to he said: "I think Sligo's performances are better than what the league table suggests and what their points total suggests. We're going to have to be at our very best tomorrow. "Our players are under no illusions at how important the task is ahead of us, and that's the same for any team you go to in this league. "I've gone on record in recent weeks saying how impressed I've been with the league since I came back, so we know we can't drop our own standards that we've set out in recent weeks. "Everyone can see we're playing good football, and we've got to translate that into results – starting in Sligo."


RTÉ News
03-06-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
'Bleak' - Alan Cawley runs the rule over Sligo Rovers' season so far
At the halfway stage of the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division, things are looking rather "bleak" for Sligo Rovers, according to RTÉ soccer analyst Alan Cawley. The table says as much with the Bit o' Red bottom of the table and facing a tough task to scrape survival once the campaign resumes after the mid-season break. The one saving grace for John Russell's outfit is that Cork City are only a point above them in the relegation play-off spot. But Cork, who played well on Friday on the way to taking a point against Shelbourne at Turners Cross, will be hoping that new manager Gerard Nash and his incoming assistant, former Republic of Ireland midfielder David Meyler, can give them a bounce. As for Sligo, while goalscoring hasn't been an issue, other positives have been thin on the ground and the type of summer surge that helped them finish mid-table last season isn't showing much sign of being on the horizon. And former Shelbourne league winner Cawley is not seeing too much ground for optimism as he told this week's RTÉ Soccer Podcast. "I think it's fairly bleak when you look at it in terms of the stats and the points, everything is pointing towards relegation sadly for them," said the Sligo native who also spoke earlier in the episode about the experience of attending Saturday's Champions League final in Munich. "They've been poor, very poor. I've seen them in a lot of games recently and they have been poor. "Now, in fairness to John Russell, he lost the goalkeeper (Ed) McGinty, he lost Ellis Chapman who went to Shelbourne, he lost (Niall) Morahan, the spine of the team really, and when you're losing players as good as that and then you're not replacing them, I think it's been very, very difficult for John in that regard." The one "shining light" according to Cawley is young striker Owen Elding who he and former Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers midfielder Richie Towell both picked as their Young Player of the Season so far. "He's been outstanding, seven goals. But if you're relying on a young fella to basically grab you by the scruff of the neck and get you back into games and win you points, I don't think that speaks well of some of the other lads maybe in the squad as well. So it's been really tough for John, it's been really poor overall," he said. At the halfway point of the season, Sligo are the only team to not pick up a win after falling behind, picking up just two points in that scenario and Cawley feels they often leave themselves with too much to do in games. "I think that's been one of the biggest problems in all the games, they don't give themselves a chance in games because they're falling behind through sloppy needless goals and there have been games where they've been two down in a lot of cases after only 15-20 minutes and then they show great heart and desire to chase the game and get themselves back but it all comes a little bit too late," he said. "They've conceded 34 goals as well. Defensively they've been very poor. They've won only one game at home all season and that's really, really poor because whatever about going on the road and trying to pick up points, you need to be trying to make your home place a bit of a fortress and tough to beat and a difficult place for people to go but if you've only won one game all season as well, I don't think that's great. "So it's pretty bleak at the moment it really is. There are allowances in terms of budgets maybe and what (Russell) has lost from last year and not being able to replace that, but still that's probably no consolation to John Russell. He'll still feel they should be higher up in the table. "But the only hope I see is that Cork are in touching distance, only a point ahead of them."


CBS News
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Cole Young called up to the Mariners, gets walk-off RBI in MLB debut
Former WPIAL star baseball player Cole Young has made it to the big leagues and had a shining moment in his MLB debut over the weekend. Cole Young, a former standout at North Allegheny High School was called up the MLB by the Seattle Mariners, who drafted Young with the 21st overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. Ranked as the No. 43 prospect in all of Major League Baseball, Young was batting .277 with 57 hits and five home runs in 206 at bats for the Tacoma Rainiers. Young, a second baseman and shortstop, was called up to the big leagues and the moment of his being told about the promotion was captured by the Mariners' social media team. Getting pulled from a game... to find out you're headed to the Show. The moment a dream comes true for Cole Young. #TridentsUp — Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) June 1, 2025 "I meant to tell you this earlier, but I'm really proud of what you've done and how far you've come," Rainiers manager John Russell said. "Just take that to Seattle tomorrow, okay?" The big moments weren't over yet for Young, however. On Saturday, Young walked off the Twins with a dribbler up the first base line to bring home Miles Mastrubuoni. Cole Young walks it off in his MLB debut! #TridentsUp — Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) June 1, 2025 According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Young is the second fastest WPIAL player to make it to the MLB when being drafted in the first round out of high school.


Irish Independent
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
June bank holiday in Sligo: Scriptless in Seattle, Sligo Rovers, country music and much more
We've compiled a list of some of the best events taking place this weekend to keep you and the family entertained. See our top picks below. Scriptless in Seattle With a style reminiscent of the beloved show 'Whose Line Is It Anyway,' Scriptless in Seattle offers a unique blend of hilarious sketches, improvised musicals, game shows, film noir, and so much more. No two shows are ever the same, ensuring an evening filled with surprises, laughter, and memorable moments at St Brigid's Hall, Tubbercurry on Monday, June 2. Six years after their 2019 formation, Scriptless in Seattle continues to tour across America and beyond…and they are still flying by the seats of their pants. Come enjoy a show that has not yet been written and even get the chance to steer its direction. Tickets available through eventbrite. Sligo Rovers V St Patrick's Athletic Sligo Rovers will play their final game before the mid-season break at home this Friday, May 30 at The Showgrounds, instead of the usual Saturday evening kick-off. This is due to the mid-season break. Rovers are still bottom of the table after last Friday's defeat to the league champions Shelbourne, and John Russell's side could really do with your support for this game. Show Up and Show Off Hawk's Well Theatre is proud to present Show Up and Show Off, a vibrant celebration of local talent, on Friday, May 30. As a theatre for the people, Hawk's Well is committed to reflecting the rich tapestry of its community. This unique showcase spotlights the creativity and dedication of over 150 participants from the theatre's diverse Community Workshops. Including: Show Up and Show Off is more than a performance; it's a testament to the power of community and the arts. Come and show your support for the performers as they take to the stage. ADVERTISEMENT They have been showing up for rehearsals; now it's time for them to show off their skills! Tickets are available on a pay what you can basis, ensuring accessibility for all. Country music night Enjoy a night of country music at the Coleman Music Centre in Gurteen this Thursday, May 29. With a wonderful line up of acts including Carmel Mcloughlin, Gerry Guthrie, Effie Niell with musicians Brian Kerrigan and Matt Curran, it's sure to be a great night out. Tickets available from the Coleman Music Centre box office. Wine O'Clock Get ready to raise a glass and laugh out loud as acclaimed Irish actress and comedian Norma Sheahan brings her smash-hit comedy show It's Wine O'Clock to the Hawk's Well on Saturday, May 31. Known for her sharp wit, warm charm, and razor-sharp storytelling, Norma takes audiences on a wildly funny journey through the ups and downs of modern life — from motherhood and menopause to health scares and hilarious misadventures — all washed down with a splash (or three) of wine. This riotous one-woman show is the ultimate girl's night out, but everyone is welcome to join the fun. Elevation 'Elevation' by Conor Gallagher opened at the Hamilton Gallery last Saturday, May 24. Elevation started in Spring 2024 with journeys around Teesan, Carncash, Rahabarna and Kiltycooly in north Sligo where there are remarkable views of the Dartry mountains at close range. The show features paintings, photography and prints which are part of Conor's 'Sligo Mountain Series'. Conor's paintings in acrylic with their dramatic monotone blue skies offer a unique view of these familiar locations. These paintings often started in a realistic style and were then de-constructed which involved literally scraping back to the surface. 30+ Bank Holiday extravaganza Get ready for Ireland's most exciting new nightclub experience designed exclusively for the 30+ crowd this Sunday, June 1 at the Garavogue Bar. Dance the evening away to the biggest hits from the 80s, 90s, 00s, and today, all while being transported on a jaw-dropping visual trip down memory lane on a state-of-the-art LED video wall. Hosted by DJ Fergal D'Arcy – One of Ireland's top DJs and radio presenters. Tickets available via eventbrite. For the love of... Art | Fashion | Food | Music Welcome to For the love of... Art | Fashion | Food | Music! at the Hyde Bridge Gallery in Sligo this Saturday, May 31 for a day filled with creativity and inspiration. Enjoy delicious Asian Food, groove to the beats of DJ Doolittle, and explore retro high quality fashion. This in-person event is a celebration of all things beautiful and captivating. Tickets via eventbrite. Join organisers the following morning on Sunday June 1 from 11am to 4pm for a market with pancakes & coffee. Don't miss out on this unique experience that combines the best of art, fashion, food, and music in one exciting location. See you there! Doors open at 5.30pm