Place puts finishing touches to Athlone roster
Credit:
Brendan Place might be working with limited funds this year, but that has not stopped him from bringing some impressive signings to Athlone Town.
The First Division outfit know that they are unlikely to compete with the likes of Derry City, Shelbourne and Waterford United when trying to attract big name players, so they have taken a different approach.
Place has narrowed his recruiting process to target players who might feel they have something to prove in League of Ireland football and are eager to get back playing on a regular basis.
Chris Bennion would be an example of this as the experienced shot-stopper slipped down the pecking order with Dundalk last year, but is now eyeing an extended run in the Athlone starting line-up.
The other players that fall into this bracket that Place has brought in are Mark Nolan (Bohemians), Stephen Caffery (Sporting Fingal), Kevin Quinn (Shamrock Rovers) and Brendan Turley (Shelbourne).
Athlone have also decided to take a gamble on three non-league players as David Bracken (Lissadel United), Richie O’Halloran (Crumlin United) and Shane Nolan (Belgrove FC) will all add competition for places.
While there is still some work to do to add some more players to his squad, Place will be happy with the business that he has managed to complete so far ahead of the new season.
The First Division outfit know that they are unlikely to compete with the likes of Derry City, Shelbourne and Waterford United when trying to attract big name players, so they have taken a different approach.
Place has narrowed his recruiting process to target players who might feel they have something to prove in League of Ireland football and are eager to get back playing on a regular basis.
Chris Bennion would be an example of this as the experienced shot-stopper slipped down the pecking order with Dundalk last year, but is now eyeing an extended run in the Athlone starting line-up.
The other players that fall into this bracket that Place has brought in are Mark Nolan (Bohemians), Stephen Caffery (Sporting Fingal), Kevin Quinn (Shamrock Rovers) and Brendan Turley (Shelbourne).
Athlone have also decided to take a gamble on three non-league players as David Bracken (Lissadel United), Richie O’Halloran (Crumlin United) and Shane Nolan (Belgrove FC) will all add competition for places.
While there is still some work to do to add some more players to his squad, Place will be happy with the business that he has managed to complete so far ahead of the new season.
About Gareth Maher
Gareth Maher is an award-winning journalist who has covered domestic, international and women's football for the best part of a decade. Previously a columnist for the Irish Daily Mail and Football Editor for Setanta Sports, … View Full Profile