Sligo sign New Zealand striker Ryan De Vries

Sligo Rovers have announced the signing of New Zealand international striker Ryan De Vries.

The 28 year old makes the move to the League of Ireland from Japanese side FC Gifu.

“The deal has been agreed for a few weeks, we were just awaiting final documentation from Japan to get his release,” manager Liam Buckley said, speaking to the club’s website.

“I’m delighted to get him in and we need him given our numbers up front. We hope he’ll be a major addition to us.

“He’s quick, strong, has a great physique with a good touch and I can see him scoring goals. I spoke to people in New Zealand and they think he’ll fit comfortably in our league and do really well.

“We had a report from the New Zealand international manager, we’ve done our homework on him so we hope he does bring a lot to us.

“We need to get the work permit done before he can play, that will be a small bit of time but we hope to have him involved as soon as possible.

“We are disappointed with our start in the league. But as I said to the boys last night, the passion and desire we showed against Bohemians will bring us results if we keep showing it.”

South African born De Vries made his debut for the New Zealand international team in 2015 against South Korea.

He has spent much of his career in the New Zealand Football Championship with Waitakere United and Auckland City where he has won 6 league titles and 3 OFC Champions Leagues.



The striker also helped Auckland to a third place finish in the FIFA Club World Cup in 2014 with De Vries scoring his sides goal against Mexican side Cruz Azul in the playoff.

De Vries move to Sligo is still subject to a work permit and international clearance and it is unlikely he will feature in the Bit O’Red’s next game against Waterford.