Sligo entered the season hoping to maintain their momentum from the previous campaign and push for a top half finish, but it soon became evident that they were set for a difficult campaign, as they collected only a point from their opening four games.
They parted ways with their boss Dave Robertson before the month of March was up, with the decision causing harsh criticism, given all the praise that Robertson had received for the work he had done with the side last season. The Rovers also opted for a risky move when naming Robertson's replacement, as they brought in Gerard Lyttle, who had no previous experience of coaching in the Irish Premier League and who joined from Northern Irish side Cliftonville.
Their fortunes did improve a bit following Lyttle's appointment, but not as much as they hoped they would, given that they became heavily reliant on their home results under their new manager. They were doing pretty well at home, but were the league's worst away side for a long time and only recorded their first away victory in late August.
However, there is little doubt that Lyttle has had a positive overall effect on the side - he made them very tough to beat at home and brought in several signs that became regular starters, with Sligo gradually improving as a consequence.
However, several sides surrounding them in the table had improved too and the Rovers entered the late stages of the season still fearing relegation, but virtually secured their survival with an impressive 3:0 home win over Derry before sealing it in the final round.
While it was a mediocre result for Sligo as a whole, it was definitely mission accomplished for Lyttle and it remains to be seen what he can produce with time to make the squad his own.
