Sligo to cash in on Coleman

SLIGO ROVERS stand to profit to the amount of £160,000 in total from Seamus Coleman’s continuing progress at Everton, manager Paul Cook revealed yesterday.

Coleman’s move to Goodison Park - two years ago this month - was notable for the meagre £60,000 Sligo received for the initial transfer. But four additional clauses in the deal will ensure the Bit o’ Red will get a reasonable fee in the end for the Killbybegs flyer.

Another £25,000 installment should arrive soon if, as expected, the 22-year-old makes his international debut for the Republic of Ireland against Wales at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday week.

The FAI Ford Cup holders yesterday completed the signing of ex-Bohemians central defender Jason McGuinness as a replacement for Jim Lauchlan. McGuinness was central to a racism case involving Sligo’s Romuald Boco in April 2009. Boco is yet to re-sign, but Cook believes he will do so. “I know it might be an issue with some of our fans, but we did speak to Romauld Boco and Rommy, more than anyone, welcomes Jason to the club,” said Cook. “I think that is the most important thing and Jason will do a great job for us.”

Cook confirmed though he has signed the bulk of last year’s squad on slightly improved terms, he has had to release first choice goalkeeper Richard Brush due to uncertainty over a wrist injury and denied rumours linking Sligo with former Everton star Francis Jeffers.

Having won two cups last season, dampening down expectations around the Showgrounds is the challenge for Cook as Sligo chase a first title in 34 years. “It doesn’t bother me,” said Cook. “In 2010 we finished four points off winning the league, but we were never, ever seen in the title race. In my years at the club our final league position was our highest for that year. We always finish strongly because we always reinforce in the transfer window. What we’re trying to do is to change the cycle and reinforce that bit earlier. If we start with a stronger squad then expectancy will go up.”

Meanwhile, Michael O’Neill, manager of champions Shamrock Rovers, the team Sligo will have to catch, says he believes he should have a stronger squad than the one that won the league for the first time in 16 years in 2010. Though O’Neill has already signed strikers Ciaran Kilduff (UCD) and Karl Sheppard (Galway United) as well as winger Gary McCabe from Sligo and midfielder Stephen O’Donnell (Galway United), he plans to bring in up to four other signings.

“I think it has the potential to be stronger,” agreed O’Neill. “We went for players, both Kilduff and Sheppard, who had done well in the league. The three or four players that we'll look to bring in on top of what we have will be the proof in the pudding.”

O’Neill is delighted to retain the services of Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Alan Mannus, who signed a new contract on Monday night after failing to get a move across Channel, while voicing his surprise that the club has received no interest in striker Gary Twigg.

“I’m sure Alan will have an element of disappointment, but we'll have no concerns about his professionalism,” said O’Neill on the country’s top keeper.

“We’re happy at the minute, but we can have a chat with Gary as things develop, but he's certainly not in a hurry to go anywhere else,” added O‘Neill on topscorer Twigg, who has two years left on his contract.

Cook and O’Neill were speaking at Carton House, Kildare, yesterday at the launch of the FC Barcelona Coaching Clinic sponsored by Champion Sports. The purpose of the clinic is to enhance the level of coaching within Ireland at underage level by introducing local and national coaches to the world’s best coaching practices.

The clinic, to be held at Carton House on Saturday and Sunday February 5-6, will be led by Dr. Albert Benaiges, Director of FC Barcelona Escola. The clinic is open to soccer coaches or anyone wishing to learn the Barcelona Escola coaching methodologies.