Sligo Rovers have announced the signing of Dundalk striker Ronan Murray.
He has moved to The Showgrounds on a two-year contract, while the Bit O' Red have also confirmed that Kyle Callan-McFadden and Regan Donelon have renewed for 2019.
Murray was part of the double-winning Dundalk squad last season and previously top-scored with Galway United.
"Sligo Rovers has always meant something to me. It’s my closest club, I have friends that attend games, that play for the team and it is special to me. I’m not here to play in a team struggling," he said.
"I’ve signed with a view to be a big part in taking the club towards former heights. I don’t think it will be overnight. It’s a two-year project at least certainly and that is why I’ve signed for that period because I believe in it.
"It’s not rhetoric or saying it for the sake of it. I’m really happy to be a Sligo Rovers player at last and more than anything I’m excited. I’ve always wanted to play here.
"The Sligo Rovers I used to hear about from David Cawley, Gary Boylan or from people in Mayo were the great years for the club.
"The 2012 league, the FAI Cups, The Showgrounds packed out. The long-term plan is to get the club at least near that. It’s a clean slate and we’ve a manager here who has a terrific track record of not just winning but of playing a brand of football that a club like Rovers love.
"He is enthusiastic and he is bringing energy early on, you can see that today from the other lads. At my age I suppose I’ll be one of the most experienced players. I guess I bring that.
"What I can say is I take a lot from my time at Dundalk. I was part of a dressing-room that was exemplary, that had leadership and dedication and showed younger players how to operate and how to look after themselves and be totally dedicated to football.
"I’d like to have that influence here as well and pass that knowledge on.
"My message to the Sligo Rovers fans is I can’t wait to be a home player in The Showgrounds, it has been a while coming and I’d really hope they get behind the club because I firmly believe we can build something again."
Sligo Rovers manager Liam Buckley says he is glad to have acquired a goal-scorer with pedigree.
"It’s a fantastic start to bringing in new faces here. Ronan is a terrific player, he has proven that at Galway, Dundalk and his time in England. We’re absolutely delighted to have him here," he said.
"There aren’t too many players in the league with a proven record of scoring, and certainly that are out of contract. It’s no secret that many clubs were chasing him.
"We’ve done well to get Ronan here, and from speaking to him I think he is really hungry to achieve things with the club which is important too.
"He believes in what we’re trying to do. He can compliment all of our attacking play.
"It’s an ongoing process to bring in the players we want. It’s extremely competitive. We’re doing everything we can. The supporters can be assured of that.
"I hope it shows what we’re trying to do, if we can. The more they get behind us, be it season tickets, whatever, the more we can bring in quality players.
"I’ve been in the job a few weeks and I’m looking for patience early on and to get behind us from the very first whistle next year.
"I want to make The Showgrounds a nightmare for opposition teams to come and I want players that excite our supporters. They can play their part."
