Rogers praises Sligo fans and facilities

Sligo Rovers have announced the departures of both Micky Adams and Alan Rogers from the Showgrounds. Having successfully kept the Bit O'Red in the Premier Division after a disppointing season, fans were hopeful that the duo would build on the work they had started this season at the Showgrounds but it wasn't to be.

Speaking to the Bit O'Red official website Adams said; “I have really enjoyed my time with Sligo Rovers. I was given a task of keeping the club in the Premier Division and I’m delighted we achieved that.

“I hope I brought a professional approach to the club from the time here. I have had to make a very difficult decision that for family reasons I will return to England. It is never an easy decision to put yourself out of work but I have to put my family first.

“I want to thank the people of Sligo and the committee for the wonderful welcome we received during our time here. I also want to express my gratitude to the players for their hard work and the staff as well. I wish everyone at Sligo Rovers the very best for the future.”

After the announcement the Sligo Rovers management committee released a brief statement in relation to the departures.

“The club wish to thank Micky and Alan for the tremendous job they did in their time at The Showgrounds. The professionalism and dedication Micky brought to the job lifted the club and guided the club away from a perilous position and for that we are very grateful. We wish them every success going forward.”

Adams and Rogers were appointed to the Showgrounds hot seat in August. When Extratime.ie asked Rogers what attracted him to the Showgrounds, Alan said, “What attracted us both to the club was the challenge. We knew the task of keeping Rovers up would be a real challenge, but both myself and the gaffer were determined and confident we could get the club to safety.”

Having spent his career in the UK playing for clubs like Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, Hull City, Tranmere Rovers and Accrington Stanley, Alan was used to having good facilities around him and the facilities at the Showgrounds didn’t disappoint him.

“I must say the facilities Sligo have are a different class. And next season they will be better, as the grass pitches will be in full use for all training purposes. I don't think there's a better set up in Ireland than what Sligo have.”

Alan has played and managed many good players throughout his career in England and when asked which of the current Sligo Rovers players impressed him the most in the short time he spent at the club, his answer was Gavin Peers.

“When we came in people had their opinions about him and everyone else in the squad. One thing myself and the manager did, was give everyone a fresh start, a clean slate if you like to make our own judgements. And from day one he [Peers] has been different class in every aspect, as have all the players to be fair.”

Over his career Alan has won many accolades including caps with the England U21 team and the Nottingham Forest Player of the Year but ranks the achievement of keeping Sligo Rovers on the Premier Division as one of his biggest.

“I feel it was a big achievement to be honest. I felt that the club was on a downward spiral when we came in. I’m not saying we are the reason for the club staying up because that was down to the players and the commitment they gave, but the dressing room was so flat on our day. Our main goal was to get the players looked enjoying training and playing football again. And smiling. It's something I had to do when I was a player to get the best from me.”

When asked about the quality of football in the League of Ireland, Rogers was upbeat about it.

“The level of football is a good standard to be honest. There are some very good players in the league. In my opinion one thing that needs improving is the professionalism shown by some players. The players need to make football their number one priority, above everything else to achieve their maximum level and I personally think enough players so that. Being a football player is a short career and players should give everything they can while they’re playing.”

When speaking about the Rovers fans Alan was full of praise for them.

“Micky and I would like to thank the fans and the players for the commitment they’ve shown in the fight for survival. I must say that from day one, the Sligo fans have been absolutely fantastic and they deserve much better than what's been produced on the pitch this season.”