Sligo Rovers has confirmed that Head of Youth Development Gavin Dykes has stepped down from his role.

Gavin has advised the club that, after several years in the position, he would like to seek a fresh challenge.

Former club captain Dykes was appointed Head of Youth Development in 2011 and oversaw a period of great success for the club’s underage structure.

During that time over 30 of the club’s underage players have earned international recognition at various age levels with the Republic of Ireland.

The youth set up has also nurtured several talents who have come through into the first-team with the likes of Gary Armstrong, Regan Donelon and Gary Boylan now established parts of the first team squad with several other players earning professional contracts and helping the club achieve on the field.

In 2012 the Rovers under-19 team won its division and this was again achieved in 2015 with the team only losing in the national quarter-finals on penalties.

As well as his work as Head of Youth Development, Dykes was also a part of the club’s coaching staff for the 2012 league win and 2013 FAI Cup triumph.

He also performed caretaker management roles in the last two seasons.

Chairman Joe Burns said Sligo Rovers would like to express their sincere gratitude to Gavin Dykes for all his work and hours devoted to the club.