Ronan's a Red: Sligo Rovers land their valentine in striker Coughlan

Sligo Rovers have move quickly to secure the signing of striker Rónán Coughlan after the Limerick native parted company with Cork City earlier this week.

The former Huddersfield Town youth has put pen to paper with the Bit o’ Red, who have confirmed the move for Nigerian striker Brendan Ogbu has been cancelled due to issues obtaining clearance.

New manager Liam Buckley saw his striking options diminish with the departure of Mikey Drennan and Raff Cretaro in the off-season but, in Coughlan, has found proven Premier Division experience.

23-year-old Coughlan signed an 18-month contract with the Rebel Army midway through last season but, despite having another season to run on his deal, opted to look elsewhere for regular football.

He had initially signed with Bray Wanderers following his return from England at the beginning of 2018 and impressed enough to earn a move to the then-champions in the summer

“It’s all about playing games as far as I’m concerned,” Coughlan told the club’s official werbsite.

“I spoke with John Caulfield during pre-season and as far as I was concerned my priority was playing every week.

“There are no guarantees at any club, and obviously Cork were signing more players. I just want to play and know that when I’m playing regularly I’ll find my best form.

“I met Liam Buckley during the week. We had a long, long meeting. I was really taken by it and it convinced me sign.

“I was playing out wide with Bray Wanderers and eventually got moved into central striker and scored goals.

“The move to Cork saw me play a few different positions. I’m coming here to get in the team and show the best of me.

“I don’t know too many of the lads apart from Johnny Dunleavy. I’ll train today and as far as I’m concerned I’m ready.

“I don’t expect to just become a regular here. I’ve got players to compete with but I’ll make no secret of my target which is coming here to score goals.”

Buckley added: “Ronan’s availability was something that really interested us and a few others.

“I spoke to him about the potential to do well here and how I think he can figure in how he play and so forth.

“While he might need time to settle into the squad, he has completed an entire pre-season in Cork, so there is no concern there, and he is technically very good so I think he’ll quickly find his way.

“From the conversations we have had I can see that hunger in him.”