Cooke appointed Athlone Town manager

Mick Cooke has been appointed as the new Athlone Town first team manager for the coming 2014 season. He takes immediate charge as the club prepares for the 2014 season.

Cooke brings a wealth of experience with him having managed Monaghan United for seven years and most recently Drogheda United where he took the management reigns in 2011 before his contract ended after last season’s cup defeat to Sligo Rovers.

He also managed both the Republic of Ireland U17 and U18 girls’ teams to victories in international tournaments during his spell in charge from 1992 through to 2000 before leaving to become assistant manager at Shamrock Rovers.

Mick also had an impressive playing career taking to the field for St Patricks Athletic, Galway Utd, Shamrock Rovers, Drogheda Utd and Thurles Town. Mick also appeared for the Republic of Ireland under 19s on three occasions during the qualifiers for the 1970 UEFA European Football Championship.

Speaking on the appointment chairman John Hayden said “We are delighted to appoint Mick over this last weekend as it allows him time to get to know the club, the region and importantly, time to build a competitive squad for our first season in the Premier Division for the last 18 years.

“This appointment is a statement of intent that we intend to cement our position where the club belong long term in the top division of Irish football.“