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Cretaro named SWAI Player of the Month PDF Print E-mail
Raffaele Cretaro of Sligo Rovers has been named Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland Player of the Month for October.

Although one of several players controversially rested by Sligo manager Paul Cook for the final game of the month against Bohemians, Cretaro had already made his mark during the month.

He scored five goals in as many league games which saw the Bit O' Red ease their relegation fears with wins over St Patrick's Athletic, Galway United, Bray Wanderers and Derry City and a draw against Dundalk. Those goals brought his tally for the season to 21 in all competitions. Only Shamrock Rovers' Gary Twigg and Jason Byrne of Bohemians have scored more often.

Cretaro also played in Sligo's 1-0 win over Waterford United which saw Sligo progress to their first FAI Cup final in 15 years. They will face Sporting Fingal in the decider on November 22.

This is the second time Cretaro has claimed this award as he was also the recipient in June, firm evidence that this has been the best year of his career, one which stretches back over 10 seasons which has been predominantly spent with Sligo but also included a spell with Galway United.

Cretaro said: “October was a great month for the team. It could hardly have gone any better.

“Results and performances earlier in the season were not great but everyone gathered together and did well when the pressure was on.


“It was not about who scored the goals but about keeping the club in the Premier Division."



Nevertheless, Cretaro's contribution has been highly significant and he admitted he has thrived on the attacking brief he has been given by Cook.



Cretaro said: “At the start of the season I asked Paul how many positions I was going to be playing in this year and he just laughed and said he was not going to be messing me around.



“He said he had enough cover in other positions so I was going to be played as a striker.



“I was delighted to hear that because when you’re being shuffled around all of the time it’s hard to develop consistency.



“It’s gone well, better than I would have expected. If you had told me at the start of the season that I’d score 21 goals, I would have laughed at you but my game has gone from strength to strength.



“I can’t wait for the FAI Cup final. I am a local lad and I’ve always wanted to play for Sligo in a final. I just hope the nerves don’t get the better of me on the day.”