Midfielder Connor Malley swaps Dundalk for Sligo Rovers

Connor Malley is the latest recruit at Sligo Rovers as the Connacht side look to rebuild ahead of the 2024 Premier Division season.

The 23-year old Englishman is no stranger to the league as he makes the move from Dundalk, having played 33 of the Lilywhites' 36 fixtures last year, and joins a Bit o' Red side looking to advance from a disappointing eighth-place finish in November.

Malley is the fifth new addition for John Russell’s side, following JR Wilson from Shelbourne, Wilson Waweru from Galway United, Simon Power from Shamrock Rovers and Ellis Chapman on loan from Cheltenham Town.

Central midfielder Malley started his career at Middlesbrough and enjoyed successful loan spells with Ayr United, Carlisle United and Gateshead before moving to Rochdale in 2022.

Malley made nine appearances for Rochdale before travelling across the water to Dundalk in 2023, and he went on to secure three goals for Stephen O'Donnell's outfit.

"He’s a marquee signing for us," said Sligo boss Russell.

"He’s a player I’ve been very impressed with since he came into the league last year. 

"He’s a player that transforms our midfield in terms of creativity, carries the ball well, goes past players, can score goals, can assist, and I think he’ll fit in with our style of play. 

"He works hard for the team, a box-to-box midfielder. I think he’s excited about coming to Sligo and playing in our system and our style, and I’m looking forward to what he can bring to our team next year.”