There has been little to celebrate for Sligo Rovers and John Russell in the first two months of the 2025 Premier Division campaign.
The Bit o’ Red prop up the table after nine matches with just one win over Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds.
After a tough winter transfer window, which saw several key departures but also a number of arrivals in place of those departed, The Deck take a deep dive into the key issues on the pitch at Sligo Rovers in 2025.
Loss of Captain Highlights Limitations of Midfield Options
Niall Morahan was a Sligo Rovers man through and through, having made almost 200 appearances since making his debut in 2018.
However, the former captain decided to move to Bohemians upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the 2024 campaign.
The midfielder missed just one Premier Division outing last season, missing out on the 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Shamrock Rovers due to suspension.
Despite the team averaging a higher total for passes per game and completion rate in the current campaign, it is clear from those who have watched the side this season that the stat is slightly misleading.
The increase is due to a lack of creativity and influence from midfield to take the ball forward from the defenders. There is a significant rise in the number of passes that are going sideways and backwards.
Connor Malley has been the player who has generally been thrust into this role, but his performances have shown a significant decline from last season.
His defensive statistics, including tackles and interceptions per game, are lagging behind the output Morahan provided.
The lack of a capable replacement for Morahan has led to Sligo Rovers being carved open regularly. They struggle to stop counterattacks and are giving up far too many big chances.
It is a key issue that needs to be resolved urgently if they are to improve upon the worst defensive record in the top flight.
Lack of Threat in Wide Areas Stifling Sligo Rovers in Attack
19-year-old Owen Elding has been a breath of fresh air and can arguably be described as the only positive in the opening two months of the campaign.
However, Elding, who has scored four goals in the Premier Division, has been required to move into central areas to provide a threat in attack.
He is arguably less effective and adventurous on the ball than last campaign’s wide players, but the supporting cast have not helped him receive the ball enough in key attacking areas.
New signings Oskar van Hattum and Francely Lomboto have not made their mark on the team yet, and this has left Sligo Rovers blunt in wide areas so far.
Will Fitzgerald has three assists and averages 0.9 successful dribbles per match with a 53% rate of completion on that statistic.
However, he does not appear to be as effective as the players out wide from last season. Simon Power was a constant threat, averaging a higher number of dribbles, and the winger was constantly peppering the opposition with efforts on goal.
The increased pressure on the backline has seen Fitzgerald play deeper at times. This has seen him struggle to make as much of an impact in attack.
There is a vast difference between having the likes of Power and, in the first half of last season, Fabrice Hartmann, out wide compared to the limited effective options currently on display at the Showgrounds.
The Continued Absence of Wilson Waweru
The 24-year-old forward was in the midst of a run of five goals in eight Premier Division matches before suffering a serious Achilles injury in the win over Dundalk in September.
Having a player of his calibre sidelined ever since would be a major blow to any team in the country, but having lost the likes of Power, Morahan, Ed McGinty and Ellis Chapman, the continued unavailability of Waweru ensures the spine of the team from last season is non-existent.
Cian Kavanagh has done a decent job replacing Waweru in the opening months, but he is unlikely to reach the same highs as the former Galway United man.
Kavanagh is a player who needs chances created for him to be effective, while Waweru possess excellent hold-up play and is always in the right place to score.
The new signing is capable of scoring goals, but his all round play must improve if he is to surpass Rovers’ latest top striker.
Having returned to training in recent weeks, the return of a key man for Sligo Rovers may thankfully not be too far away.