Sligo Rovers propose new structure to boost funding while keeping member control

Michael Bolton

Sligo Rovers are to consider a new club structure that would assist in increasing external funding, while members remain in control.

Sligo Rovers is owned and operated by the Sligo Football and Sport Development Society, a member-owned co-operative governed by the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts.

The club is currently bottom of the League of Ireland and has been in the top flight since 2006.

The club said they will not be sold, and the plan is for a new company to be set up to manage football operations and create new commercial opportunities.

In a statement late on Friday night, Sligo Rovers chairman Tommy Higgins said: "

Sligo Rovers status as a community club is a valued element of our history and tradition. The club has survived some very difficult times due to the relentless commitment of our dedicated volunteers. These people contribute enormously to the funding and operation of our club.

"The League of Ireland is now a different place. Clubs have adopted new commercial models and are benefiting from significant external investment.

"Success in the League of Ireland leads to European competition and the substantial financial benefits that brings. The gap is widening every year.

"I think our ambition as a proud club must not be limited to survival, every supporter wants to see their beloved Rovers compete, thrive and prosper.

"The model we have has served this club well for almost a hundred years. But the football environment we find ourselves in has changed around us. The Society must ensure that its structures are fit for the challenges Sligo Rovers faces, and can attract the resources we need to compete at the highest levels.

"Thankfully, when we are looking at potential structure and funding models, it is not an ‘either/or’ scenario. It is not a binary choice between a rigid membership structure and an openly commercial arrangement.

"Since our last AGM in April we have been researching the legal, financial and administrative issues to increase funding for the Club.

"We are heartened and encouraged to discover that viable funding and investment opportunities do not have to undermine the role and benefits of member ownership.

"The members can remain in control, and can determine the opportunities to be taken."

The Sligo Showgrounds is held in trust forever for the benefit of the public, the trustees lease the grounds to the society, and the current lease runs until June 2064, which is unaffected by the restructuring proposal.