By:
Graeme Hanna
Sligo Rovers have confirmed a double signing ahead of the new League of Ireland season, with the arrival of Mai Traore and Shane Blaney.
The Guinean striker has arrived on loan from EFL League Two side Notts County, while Letterkenny-native Blaney arrives from SPFL Premiership club Livingston.
Both will feature for the Bit O’Red until June 30 this year, but the latter needs no introduction to the fans, having played for Sligo between 2021 and 2022.
He is fondly remembered for the long-range free-kick strike against Motherwell in the Europa Conference League in July 2022, and his performances in both legs against Well earned him a transfer to Fir Park the following January.
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He moved on to Livingston last summer, but a hamstring injury picked up in October has kept him out of Davie Martindale’s side.
Now, he returns to Sligo in search of match fitness and form.
“I found out last week that there was a possibility of coming back, Blaney told Rovers’ official website.
“I spoke to Livingston and obviously, I’ve had a rough year in terms of injuries so it’s important that I get back playing and enjoying it.
“I spoke to a few clubs but John Russell (Sligo manager) was on the ball and to be honest, there’s no place better for me to be playing football so I jumped at the chance and I’m really looking forward to getting going.”
Sligo Rovers boss Russell on Blaney’s quality
John Russell, who signed a multi-year extension last month, detailed his ongoing relationship with the player and why he seized the opportunity to bring him back to the Showgrounds.
“I’ve always kept in touch with Shane, said Russell.
“We have a really good relationship and when there was a chance to get him back, I was very keen to do so, and I’m sure our fans will be thrilled to see him back.
“He plays with real aggression and he’s competitive, but he’s also calm in possession.
“I love his attributes as a player and he knows how we work in Sligo and the league. So that will help him hit the ground running.”
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Traore wants to repay Sligo’s faith
As for 26-year-old Mai Traore, his next staging post is the west coast of Ireland, having previously plied his trade in Guinea, Sweden, Norway, Belgium and England.
He arrived at Notts County last February but has failed to make a breakthrough at Meadow Lane, leading to his latest switch.
“We wanted to bring in a centre forward who has pace and is direct in transitions, and Mai matched those characteristics, said John Russell.
“We obviously know him first hand from the Viking game a few years ago (2022) so we’ve seen just what he can do and how he can punish teams.
“He has excellent movement in the box and with the attacking talent we have within our team, we can create chances for him.”
Traore said, “Rovers feels like the right club for me at the moment.
“The opportunity to play regularly and be an important part of the team is a big factor for me. I want to repay the faith.”
Image credit: SligoRovers/X
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