Sligo Rovers manager Ian Baraclough has met Mark Quigley in Dublin to offer the controversial striker a chance to return to his former club.

Quigley (below), who failed to impress at Shamrock Rovers last year prior to getting released from his contract on Tuesday, also has alternative offers from St Pat's, Derry City and Dundalk.

And while Baraclough's move is significant, it has probably arrived too late, with Quigley's reappearance at St Pat's, another former club, the likeliest scenario for the striker.

"We are aware of the rumours (about Quigley joining St Pat's)," said the Richmond Park club's defender Ger O'Brien yesterday. "Whoever ends up with Mark in their side will get a guy who can be the best player in the league on his day. The thoughts of him coming into our dressing-room would excite me."

Quigley's departure from Rovers has been compounded by their additional loss of Richie Ryan, who is swapping life in the League of Ireland for the Canadian League, something the Hoops manager Trevor Croly tried to rally against.

"Every negative I tried to throw at Richie, he turned around and said was a positive," said Croly. "He is going for the lifestyle, for a few extra bob and there is nothing we can do about that.

"It is disappointing for us to lose such a good player but we have Ciaran Kilduff available to us again (after his loan spell at Cork City) and we are shopping around for others."

Of more immediate concern to Rovers is their presence in the FAI boardroom this morning, where they are hoping to finalise the terms which will see their 'B' team play in next season's First Division.

While a deal seems likely, it depends on Rovers continuing to operate with an U-19 side in addition to their two senior teams. From Rovers' perspective, there is a clear preference to avoid this requirement -- and cost. They are also seeking to avoid paying the FAI an affiliation fee for their 'B' team.

"There are discussions ongoing but I can't say any more than that," said Croly. "I'm supportive of the idea but it has to be suitable for the concerned parties."

Irish Independent