KYLE Callan-McFadden is departing Sligo Rovers today as he is relocating to England for family reasons.
After four seasons with the Bit O’ Red, including becoming captain at the age of 22 in 2018, Sligo say that the Ramelton man moves on with their best wishes.
He will join King’s Lynn in England, a club located in Norfolk where his partner’s family are based and has secured employment.
Callan-McFadden said: “During the first lockdown I got the phone call. I know the manager as he was part of the first-team coaching staff at Norwich when I was there.
“We spoke about it as a family and we thought it was right to move back to England. It has been six years since Ella has been living near her family and friends.
“We had a great life in Ireland but Ella has a job secured in the NHS. It came fast but it’s the right time to move on. It’s a wee change for me after four years here. It’s more a family decision than football but it’s a change for us all. We’re looking forward to it now.”
King’s Lynn play in the National League in England and earned an upset victory in the FA Cup over Port Vale last week. They have been rising through the leagues in England and are just one tier away from League 2.
He said: “When a club shows ambition to get up the ladder in England, it’s good of course. I spoke to some players I know over there from my time at Norwich and they all said positive things.
“They have an aim in place for two to three years and that’s something I want to be part. I’m looking forward to it. Sadly my time at Sligo had to come to an end.”
Callan-McFadden leaves after his best season for Sligo, having finishing fourth in the table.
He said: “There is a bit of mixed emotions. It couldn’t happen to a better bunch of lads to finish fourth this season. They are a great group with no bad eggs.
“They deserve every success and the coaching staff as well. They have worked tirelessly with us, even through the lockdown, sending us programs and keeping us fit. It obviously worked because we hit the ground running and we haven’t really stopped. Hopefully they can go on to win the FAI Cup.”
After his first season under the manager Dave Robertson, Gerard Lyttle was then appointed and made Callan-McFadden captain alongside John Russell, sharing it over the season. He won Player of the Year in 2017.
He reflects warmly on the managers that have shown a great deal of trust in him at The Showgrounds
He said: “I think I’ve developed loads over the four seasons. I was almost chucked in at the deep end at 22 being captain. I probably felt the pressure a bit more being captain by myself in the second year. It was probably one of my worst years playing for the club, I dipped in form massively. It was not nice to see Ger move on as he showed great faith in me.
“Liam Buckley has come in and it has been a breath of fresh air for everyone. I started to find my feet again. I did a bit of a stint in midfield in the first season. I’ve definitely developed and especially playing different positions.
“To be captain of a senior club rather than a youth team and leading the team to a FAI Cup semi-final last year was brilliant. This year has been a strange year but a brilliant one for us on the pitch. Sligo definitely helped me develop into the player and person I am today.”
Callan-McFadden will be able to play for King’s Lynn immediately once international clearance comes through, but will not have a game on 20 November and he will watch his former team-mates in FAI Cup action against Derry City on WATCHLOI.
He said: “I’ll 100% be watching. I texted all the boys to let them know I’ll be looking out for them and rooting for them, I really genuinely do hope they go on and lift that Cup now.”
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