New Sligo Rovers deal for defender Seamus Sharkey

Sligo Rovers have announced centre back Seamus Sharkey has re-signed for the Bit o’ Red for the 2018 season as manager Gerard Lyttle continues to build his squad for the new campaign.

Sharkey brings the number of players signed for next season to 10 players following the re-signing of striker Greg Moorhouse on Friday evening.

The former Limerick player joined Sligo in May as a free agent after overcoming long-term injury and became a key player in defence alongside player of the year Kyle Callan-McFadden.

Sharkey played 18 games that included seven clean sheets as the Bit o’ Red avoided relegation from the Premier Division.

“It was a blessing really because my career looked to be in jeopardy,” Sharkey told the club's official website.

“I came over for two weeks, did well and ended up being nominated for Player of the Year. When Ger came in, training was hard. It was double sessions for the squad.

“He saw something he obviously didn't like and wanted us to work hard. I got in the team for the final set of games after being in and out a bit. The run we went on was brilliant.

“Sligo is a great club to allow you to totally focus on your football. Everything is geared towards what you do in training and it's a very relaxed environment too.

“The group are the nicest I've been with. We're close and the spirit is there every day before we train.

“When we get out there it's all business and if we could repeat the form we showed in the last series of matches then obviously it'll be a much different season.

“I'm already itching to get back, I want the full pre-season as obviously I came in and just went straight into squad.

“The fans really got behind us and it was unbelievable really. The backroom here is very supportive too.

“I'm really happy to know where my future is and to get that done as soon as possible. You see the likes of Rhys signed up who as Ger says gelled us together and Craig Roddan who really proved something to people. It has been two weeks off and I'm already looking forward to next year.”

Lyttle added: “Seamus came into his own. We gave him an opportunity and the message was basically ‘go prove yourself.' He did that in a tremendous fashion.

“If you look at his stats, some of them are remarkable. He earned this deal and I want to see him go on to be even better. When I came in, there was a lot the players had to work on in terms of fitness and sharpness.

“Seamus was coming in having not played in the league in a while. We gave him that opportunity and I love to see players prove themselves like he did.

“Again, with that full pre-season, there are improvements that can be made. I want players with good discipline, leadership and hungry to achieve more and Seamus fits that bill again. He’s a great lad and he really likes being with us.

“We have the spine coming together. We want players to fit in to what we are trying to build here. I think the vision we give them is a good one.”