Former Premier League defender Darren Purse has been appointed as the new Sligo Rovers manager on an 18-month contract.
Purse, who played for two seasons with Birmingham City in the English top flight, arrives at the Showgrounds from Cardiff City, where he spent almost five years working with the club’s Under-23 and U21 sides, running their loan programme and serving a spell as assistant manager of the first team.
He replaces John Russell, who ended an eight-year spell with the Connacht club to take over at Shelbourne earlier this month.
“I’m really looking forward to getting started,” Purse, who scored a last-minute penalty in the 2001 League Cup final against Liverpool, told the club’s website.
“When the opportunity came up I rang a few people I know who have worked in football around Ireland, and every one of them said the same thing. It’s a really good football club, and one I’m looking forward to taking places.”
Darren Purse (L) scored in the 2001 League Cup final for Birmingham against Liverpool
Rovers currently sit bottom of the Premier Division table after 24 games, but he’s hoping that things can turnaround, staring with Saturday’s home clash with Drogheda United.
Declan Boyle, who has led preparations for the game on an interim basis, will be alongside him before returning to his role as Sligo’s men’s U20 manager.
“You can have a long-term plan as much as you want, but the big thing for us is winning games over the next 12 and staying in this division,” Purse said.
“After that you can set your plans for the season after, and the season after that. Right now it’s about winning football matches.”
“I am delighted to welcome Darren to the Showgrounds,” Sligo chairperson Tommy Higgins said.
“He came through as the standout candidate in a thorough process and the panel’s decision was unanimous.
“He impressed us with his technical and interpersonal skills and with his vision for Sligo Rovers. We look forward to working with Darren in the seasons ahead.”