Season Preview: Athlone Town
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In many ways Athlone Town will be glad that not much will be expected from them this year as that should allow them to make strides away from the spotlight.
Of course, it doesn’t help matters that the First Division should be much more competitive this year with so many players spread out right across the Airtricity League.
However, Athlone will be aiming to close the gap between themselves and the team that will be pushing for promotion. Last term, they finished in 10th spot, which was comfortably ahead of bottom-placed Kildare County.
Any sort of improvement on last season will be a bonus for Brendan Place because he knows that it will make steady steps to get his team up to a level where expectations will be set for them.
For now, he can focus on getting off to a good start and finding a system that best suits his many new signings. A quick look at the Athlone rosters reveals some interesting names, so it will be a challenge for Place to get the best out of them.
The recruitment of Chris Bennion from Dundalk is the signing that sticks out most, but the addition of Brian McCarthy from Bohemians and Robbie Farrell from Drogheda United are notable captures too.
Farrell could turn out to be a key player this year. The former Dundalk ace struggled with injuries last season, so he will be eager to rediscover his best form. And if he can link up with Noel McGee – last year’s top scorer – then it could be a dangerous strike partnership.
Place has brought in a lot of new faces, but by keeping hold of players like Des Hope and Stephen Place he has ensured there is enough experience in his dressing-room to help bind the squad together.
Having been knocked out of Leinster Senior Cup by Bray Wanderers, the aim will automatically switch towards the league campaign. It will be asking a lot of Athlone to finish higher than 10th place, but if Farrell and McGee can supply the goals then they are in with a chance of making that step up.
Team: Athlone Town
Manager: Brendan Place
Players In: Chris Bennion (Dundalk), Michael Schlingermann (Sligo Rovers), Mark Nolan, Brian McCarthy (both Bohemians), Eoghan O’Shea (Tullamore FC), Shane Dolan (Belgorve), Stephen Caffrey (Free Agent), Garvan Broughall (UCD), Kevin Quinn (Shamrock Rovers), Richie O’Hanlon (Crumlin United), Niall Scullion (St Peters), Shane O’Connell (Shelbourne), Gordon Watson (Greystones United), David Bracken (Lissadel United), Robbie Farrell (Drogheda United)
Players Out: John McGuinness (Limerick)
One to Watch: Robbie Farrell
Prediction: 9th
Of course, it doesn’t help matters that the First Division should be much more competitive this year with so many players spread out right across the Airtricity League.
However, Athlone will be aiming to close the gap between themselves and the team that will be pushing for promotion. Last term, they finished in 10th spot, which was comfortably ahead of bottom-placed Kildare County.
Any sort of improvement on last season will be a bonus for Brendan Place because he knows that it will make steady steps to get his team up to a level where expectations will be set for them.
For now, he can focus on getting off to a good start and finding a system that best suits his many new signings. A quick look at the Athlone rosters reveals some interesting names, so it will be a challenge for Place to get the best out of them.
The recruitment of Chris Bennion from Dundalk is the signing that sticks out most, but the addition of Brian McCarthy from Bohemians and Robbie Farrell from Drogheda United are notable captures too.
Farrell could turn out to be a key player this year. The former Dundalk ace struggled with injuries last season, so he will be eager to rediscover his best form. And if he can link up with Noel McGee – last year’s top scorer – then it could be a dangerous strike partnership.
Place has brought in a lot of new faces, but by keeping hold of players like Des Hope and Stephen Place he has ensured there is enough experience in his dressing-room to help bind the squad together.
Having been knocked out of Leinster Senior Cup by Bray Wanderers, the aim will automatically switch towards the league campaign. It will be asking a lot of Athlone to finish higher than 10th place, but if Farrell and McGee can supply the goals then they are in with a chance of making that step up.
Team: Athlone Town
Manager: Brendan Place
Players In: Chris Bennion (Dundalk), Michael Schlingermann (Sligo Rovers), Mark Nolan, Brian McCarthy (both Bohemians), Eoghan O’Shea (Tullamore FC), Shane Dolan (Belgorve), Stephen Caffrey (Free Agent), Garvan Broughall (UCD), Kevin Quinn (Shamrock Rovers), Richie O’Hanlon (Crumlin United), Niall Scullion (St Peters), Shane O’Connell (Shelbourne), Gordon Watson (Greystones United), David Bracken (Lissadel United), Robbie Farrell (Drogheda United)
Players Out: John McGuinness (Limerick)
One to Watch: Robbie Farrell
Prediction: 9th
