Shane Blaney describes his move from Doncaster Rovers to Sligo Rovers as "the perfect fit".
Centre-back Blaney, who turns 22 next month, spent two and a half years with Doncaster, where he captained their under-23s and played in the EFL Trophy.
From Letterkenny, the former Ireland Schoolboy skipper made his debut at 17 for Finn Harps before moving to England.
Blaney said: “I’m delighted. This has been ongoing for the last few weeks. I’ve been speaking with Liam for that period and it seems like the perfect fit for me. It was a great experience at Doncaster.
“I never got the right time for it to fall to get a league debut. I was in the first-team training but it didn’t come. I need games now. I’m absolutely dying to get going."
Sligo boss Liam Buckley made contact in July but Blaney initially decided to stay in England, but six weeks ago made the decision to return to Ireland as clubs weren't taking players on trial due to Covid-19.
"I had a few offers in Ireland and calls, but Liam was the first meeting and since that I knew I wanted to sign for Sligo," he said.
“Anyone I ask about Sligo, every single person says what a good club it is and great fans. I’m very excited for it all.
“I’ve been preparing for a return to pre-season for months now, to be honest. When it comes around I’ll be ready. I’m here to play, I have my own goals and I hope to be as successful as I can be. I’ll be trying as hard as I can for Liam and the club.
“I think my style is perfect for the manager. I love the ball to feet and that side of the game.
"It’s a good fit. Liam’s ambition matches my ambition, it could be something special here with the mix of young players and the older lads. I’m just really looking forward to it.”
Pleased to get his man, Buckley said that he hopes to add more signings in the near future.
"Shane is a really good addition to us. He comes strongly recommended and is looking to make an impression here," said the Bit O'Red boss.
“He has lots of attributes to be a good defender for us and he’s really eager to get going as we all are now.
"We’re waiting on the schedule to finalise all of the details of pre-season.
“We are speaking with more players. There’s a strong core group assembled and I hope we’ll be adding to that soon”.
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