Liam Hughes has become the first player to commit to Sligo Rovers for the 2027 League of Ireland season after signing a contract extension. The 25-year-old goalkeeper's new deal provides stability as the club prepares for a significant rebuild under manager Darren Purse.
Hughes joined Rovers last December from a Finnish club and has played the last three league games. He had been second choice for most of the season before getting a run in the team. The Craigavon native is a former Northern Ireland Under-21 international who came through the youth systems at Celtic and Liverpool.
Manager Darren Purse, who has spoken highly of Hughes, said the signing represents a key early move. He added that the extension gives the club security in the goalkeeping position as they plan for next season.
Hughes himself expressed his commitment to helping the club bounce back after a difficult campaign.
The extension comes amid indications that the current first-choice goalkeeper may leave at the end of the current campaign. Hughes is now set to be the team's goalkeeper for the remaining league games, starting with the home fixture against Dundalk.
Hughes joins several other players already under contract with Sligo Rovers for the 2027 season, which will be played in the First Division. The club's recent form has been challenging.
Purse confirmed that further contract offers have been made to other players as the club looks to finalise its squad for the First Division campaign. The manager also stated that the club is actively looking to add new signings, with a focus on bringing in players with experience of that division to aid the promotion push.
Liam Hughes will start in goal against Dundalk this weekend.
The report in full is at oceanfm.ie
