John Mahon: ‘I have a desire to go on to play outside of the League of Ireland. For now my ambition is to help Rovers win things.’

Sligo Rovers have made a big statement with their Player of the Year John Mahon signing a new two year deal at the club.

The towering centre half has been a mainstay of the Bit O’ Red defence since his debut in 2017, racking up over 100 appearances for the club in a period which has seen the Showgrounds outfit qualify for Europe.

Mahon suffered a nasty leg break in a challenge at the start of the 2020 season but has returned in an impressive manner, forming a partnership with former Cork City stalwart Garry Buckley in the heart of the Sligo defence which saw the side record 12 clean sheets last season. 

Speaking to his club media team, the Ballisodare native noted how the club looked after him during his recovery. He also spoke about his future career and the influence of young Academy players such as himself and Republic of Ireland Under 21 internationals Ed McGinty, Niall Morahan and Under 19 international goalscorer Johnny Kenny.

“I had one year remaining but I spoke with my family and my agent and I felt it was going to benefit me and the club to extend my contract.

“When I broke my leg, I had the security of the longer contract and that meant a lot at that time. From that experience I know it’s important and most of all I don’t want the distraction when we have such important matters on the pitch. I can focus on my football and not have it an issue for anyone.

“I have a desire to go on to play outside of the League of Ireland and I hope to complete that one day. For now my ambition is to help Rovers win things. We’ve made progress, we can all see that by being in the top four for two seasons, but silverware is the overall target now.”

“It (The Player of the Year award) could have gone to a number of players. As the season was coming to an end I had completed what I wanted to do and that was to play almost every game and do well so it was great. The likes of Ed, Niall and myself are still young but we are getting older too and we see the likes of Johnny Kenny stepping into our shoes now.

“We want to take on that extra responsibility that comes with it and all of the lads have contributed massively.”

Manager Liam Buckley recognised the importance of Mahon to the group and the experience gained by the player at such a youthful age. 

“John has had a great season once again. He is a leader in the team and a really strong character.

“His partnership with Garry Buckley was superb. John has been first choice from my first day at the club and he fully deserves this contract. We know John is proven at this level and has the potential to play at a higher one so securing him on this deal is the best way both for the club and John.

“There are a lot of top class centre halves in the league and John is right up there, as is Garry. Given he has just turned 22, that’s a great place for John to be and I know he has a desire to get better and better.

“We want him winning trophies for Sligo Rovers and I believe he can do that.”

King returns to Inchicore https://t.co/bd8psMf0vupic.twitter.com/qW082HS0Gp

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) December 23, 2021