Athlone Town Preview 2012

Athlone Town

Last season: 8th (First Division)

In: Robbie Kelleher (Ballynanty Rovers), Brian McCarthy (Limerick), Garvan Broughall (Limerick), Ross Kenny (Ballina Town), Darren Coleman (Killavilla)

Out: Michael Schlingermann (Monaghan United)

 
Manager: Mike Kerley

Stadium: Athlone Town Stadium (Lissywoollen)

This will be a really tough season for Athlone. They've a very young squad, with a concentration on developing players from their U19 and U17 panels. Boss Mike Kerley will be operating off a shoe string with just the small budget in the league to pay players, only just about having the funds to cover their travel expenses.

Notoriously the first division is a bit of a slog at the best of times so this season will be as tough as it gets for Athlone. Eased at least of the burden of their stadium debt - after a mystery donor came forward last November and donated €500,000 - Athlone can concentrate on getting the best as they can from limited resources. 

With the new format of just eight teams in the division, they’re likely to be in the bottom two or three but if they can pick up a few wins at home in Lissywoollen, then they should be able to stay above an improving SD Galway and a very weak looking Wexford Youths side.

The addition of Garvan Broughall and Brian McCarthy from Limerick will be a bit of a boost but the loss of goalkeeper Michael Sclingermann to Monaghan United will also come as a bit of a blow. Would be absolutely thrilled with a top-half finish but it seems a bit unlikely.

ExtraTime.ie Prediction: 6^th.