Sligo Rovers have seen a recent resurgence in form that has catapulted them clear of the Premier Division automatic relegation place. Their progress is now set to be tested with two important squad players set to leave the Showgrounds according to reports.
Jake Doyle-Hayes and Francely Lomboto both joined the club ahead of the 2025 campaign and have seen their reputations soar after some impressive performances for the League of Ireland side.
Sligo Rovers Set to Lose Two Important Players
Doyle-Hayes joined in February after a spell with Scottish Premiership side Hibernian. The midfielder had a slow start to his Sligo Rovers career, but he became a key component of John Russell’s team as the campaign progressed.
The 26-year-old ranks second for successful tackles at the Showgrounds behind Conor Reynolds, and just below the departed Reece Hutchinson for accurate passes per game. He sat in front of the back four and provided a commanding presence once he had settled into the manager’s playing style.
Lomboto has become a fan favourite with the Sligo Rovers faithful, and only Owen Elding can better his tally of four league goals. His return is all the more impressive considering the forward has made just three starts for Rovers in the Premier Division.
The hard-working attacker will be missed for his all-action cameos, with Wilson Waweru and Cian Kavanagh the only senior strikers left at the club.
Exeter City Activate Release Clause
25-year-old Lomboto is set to join NIFL Premiership side Glenavon, according to the Irish Independent, with familiar face and former team-mate Stephen Mallon also arriving at the club ahead of the new season. There is no mention of any fee for the former Galway United man, who signed a one-year deal with the Bit O’Red in November.
The same source indicates that League One Exeter City have activated the release clause in Doyle-Hayes’ contract. The Irish midfielder will be the fifth permanent arrival to Gary Caldwell’s squad, who kick off their third-tier campaign against newly-promoted Doncaster Rovers at the weekend.
Doyle-Hayes developed into a commanding presence in front of the back four, and Sligo Rovers will be disappointed to see him depart after the improvement in his displays over the last couple of months. However, any financial windfall is welcome at the club, and Exeter City have signed a player capable of being a regular in their starting eleven.