Maguire joins Sligo Rovers on loan from West Ham

Sligo Rovers have boosted their attacking ranks with the loan signing of Sean Maguire from West Ham United in a deal that will run until the end of July.

The U/19 Irish international moved to the Hammers from Waterford United on Boxing day 2012 and recently featured on the bench for Sam Allardyce’s side in the FA Cup defeat at Nottingham Forest.

Manager Ian Baraclough feels that the addition of Maguire, along side former Leicester City striker Eric Odhiambo, will provide support for Danny North as they bid to reclaim the title that they won in 2012.

“I feel it’s a really good signing for us. It is more competition in the attacking roles. Danny North has come back raring to go but he can’t take all of the burden. I’ve spoken to West Ham’s assistant manager Neil McDonald and first-team coach Ian Hendon - they feel he has matured as a player since he moved to the club and this loan switch now is ideal for his development.” 

The player for his part, was delighted to get the chance to work with Baraclough and was very much looking forward to getting starting at what he called “the biggest club in Ireland".

“I’m very happy to be coming to the biggest club in Ireland. Everybody has been so welcoming to me since I have arrived and you can see the type of club it is already. Ian Baraclough has done an amazing job at Sligo Rovers. I think he is a brilliant manager and I’m here to play games and score goals. 

“I know I won’t walk into the team. I have to work hard and impress and make a big impact in the months I’m here. I want to prove what I can do. All I want is competitive games and to do well for myself and Sligo Rovers. I know the League of Ireland and  I’ve missed it a lot to be honest. When I go back to West Ham I want to return knowing I’ve scored a lot of goals and shown what I can do.”

Maguire, who was born in Luton but grew up in the town of Castlecomer, first came to prominence when he scored a hat-trick for the Kilkenny & District League in the Youth All-Ireland final against Cork in 2011.

He was then signed by Waterford United, for whom he made his first-team debut just two months past his 17th birthday in July 2011, following that up with international recognition when he made his debut for the U/19 team in a 1-1 draw with Latvia in September 2012.