GAVIN PEERS HAS ended his long-running association with Sligo Rovers after over a decade at the Showgrounds.
St Patrick’s Athletic announced this afternoon that the Dublin-born centre-half is moving to the Inchicore club as Liam Buckley begins his recruitment for next season after a disappointing campaign, which saw the Saints finish seventh in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.
31-year-old defender Peers, who was on the books at Blackburn Rovers and Mansfield Town before returning to Ireland in 2006, spent 11 seasons with the Bit O’Red — winning the league title in 2012 as well as three FAI Cups and the 2014 Setanta Cup.
Sligo’s longest-serving player, he turned down offers from America to stay this time last year but declined the opportunity to sign a new deal before departing for Pat’s due to family reasons.
“It was a difficult decision to move from a club that has been my professional life until now,” Peers told Sligo’s club website. “Sligo and Sligo Rovers will always be part of me, it is a fantastic environment and a special place.
I would like to thank the club and all associated with it and the people of Sligo for 11 great years. I wish Dave and all the players continued success.”
Sligo manager Dave Robertson added: “While we would like to have had Gavin for the coming season we understand family comes first and Gavin has been commuting to Sligo for a year with his wife and children based in Dublin.
“Gavin has been a warrior for this club, a real leader and has given huge commitment for over a decade. He is a winner and will be remembered in Sligo for years to come.”
Pat’s also revealed that Michael Barker, Conan Byrne and Ian Bermingham have all been tied down for 2017.
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