By:
Mark Hendry
Shane Blaney has revealed why he was so “desperate” to return to Sligo Rovers this window.
The centre-half was one of two new signings made at the Showgrounds last week.
Blaney and Mai Traore joined Sligo on loan deals to help towards their Premier Division campaign.
It is the second stint in Blaney’s career where he has played for The Bit O’Red having also turned out for the club 45 times in all competitions in the 2021/22 season.
Since that time, the 27-year-old has played in the Scottish Premiership with Motherwell and Livingston respectively.
However, the minute he was offered the chance to make a return to Sligo, he admits it was a no-brainer.
Shane Blaney says he was ‘desperate’ to play under John Russell at Sligo
For Blaney it is all about the relationships with the coaching staff he has at the club.
And with John Russell the club’s manager, Blaney was “desperate” to make a comeback and play for his pal again.
Especially after Russell penned a contract extension himself recently.
“Delighted to be back,” he told the Independent.
“I’m just trying to get back playing football now and there’s no better place for me.
“I kept a good relationship with the staff throughout my time away so I’m looking forward to getting going.
“I’ve a good relationship with Russ, Casey and Brushy.
“I love the way they work here. I loved my time here before, I think everyone knows that.
“It was a no-brainer when the option did come up. I was quite quick to jump at it and say I wanted to come here.
“The time I played here last time when Russ got the job, it was brilliant.
“That spell was probably the highlight of my time so far, I was desperate to get back then.”
Injury issues have plagued Blaney at parent club Livingston
Blaney has suffered with injury since his departure in 2022.
His career in Scotland was somewhat plagued by issues which meant his stint at Livi in particular was not ideal.
He made only eight appearances for the Lions after playing 54 times for ‘Well across two years.
But the centre-half is sure his injury problems are behind him now.
He wants to get back to playing regularly and a loan stint with a club he knows well should do the trick.
“I’m good. I’m in a really good spot now.
“The last eight weeks or so of rehab has been really positive.
“I’m at a stage where I just really need to kick on and get back playing.
“I feel like I’m ready to do that.”
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