Close Cawl: Sligo Rovers sign midfielder Cawley from Galway

Sligo Rovers have made their second new signing ahead of the 2018 season with the return of midfielder David Cawley following spells with Galway United and St Patrick's Athletic.

The Ballina native was a standout player in the Galway side that tasted relegation last season with Sligo the chief beneficiaries from the Tribesmen's demise.

26-year-old Cawley previously spent four years at the Showgrounds and was nominated for PFAI Young Player of the Year in his first season as the Bit o' Red secured the league title in 2012.

The former Ipswich Town trainee won the FAI Cup with Sligo the following year and a Setanta Sports Cup in 2014.

He departed for St Patrick's Athletic at the end of the 2015 season but his year at Richmond Park proved frustrating, and he moved to Galway where he rediscovered his love for the game.

“As soon as Sligo got in contact, I knew I wanted to sign,” Cawley told the club's official website.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be back. I loved my time at the club previously. We had all the success you could want and being here again reminds me what potential the club has.

“I’ve spoken with Gerard and he is ambitious and wants to get the club higher up the table next season and so do I.

“It didn’t work out for me at St Patrick’s Athletic as I’ve admitted before. I went to Galway and I have to give all the credit to Shane Keegan. He got me enjoying my football again.

“I rang him in advance of signing for Rovers today to thank him for that because his man-management really lifted me. It meant a lot to me and I feel I’m coming here stronger after some of my performances.

“Sligo is the perfect fit for me and in full-time football so it’s a great opportunity again. There is already a solid and talented part of a squad put together and like when you join any club, you have to prove yourself.

“There’s going to be players fighting for your position. I had great times here but that will not count for much when trying to get into the team and keeping a place. That’s the challenge in front of me and I’m really keen to take it on.”

Manager Gerard Lyttle added: “David was a top performer for Galway. He covered so much ground in games and most importantly he can play.

“He comes with a wealth of experience and it won't be a problem settling in. He knows the club well and he's the right age where he's coming into his prime.

“I'm looking forward to working with him. He comes here on the back of relegation but with some good individual form and with it comes the chance to prove himself again at the club.”

Sligo now have 12 players contracted for the coming season, with new signings Cawley and Caolan McAleer joining Michael Schlingermann, Regan Donelon, Kyle Callan-McFadden, Seamus Sharkey, Craig Roddan, Rhys McCabe and Greg Moorhouse and youngsters Jack Keaney, Ed McGinty and John Mahon.