O'Sullivan appointed Athlone Town CEO

Athlone Town have announced the appointment of Mr. John O'Sullivan as the club's first Chief Executive Officer. John is no stranger to the League of Ireland having been a founder member of FORAS, the supporter based group that successfully took ownership of Cork City FC. He is also a former chairman of the club.

Speaking exclusively to Extratime.ie, John explained how the appointment to the role of Athlone Town CEO came about.

"I was made redundant late last year and I guess I took it as an opportunity to look at where I was going. I looked over my career and realised that the time I spent in football over recent years was what I found most rewarding so when the opportunity came to work full time in football came, I jumped at it.

"Over recent years, from FAI meetings and as an opponent, Athlone Town were a club I admired, I see them as progressive and having met the people involved, it was a very easy decision to come work for the club and help them towards the really positive vision they have for the club."

Asked about what his targets in the role would be, John responded, "The board of directors will set the targets, but the key ones are to drive the development of a co-operative supporters' ownership structure, placing the club back in the heart of the community and to oversee development of the underage structure and of Lissywollen, where there is huge scope. It's a stadium many across the country are impressed by and of which they're jealous of."

With the introduction of the Under 19 League this season, O'Sullivan indicated the importance of underage structures within the club.

"One of the primary objectives will be to build a strong player pathway which co-operates with, and compliments, the underage game in the region and which helps build a more competitive Athlone Town. The proposed National U17 League is an important link in that chain, so I look forward to the FAI's next update on that process."

Having supported Cork City for many years, O'Sullivan was asked will he be happy to cheer on Athlone Town if they come up against the Rebel Army.

"This season it could only happen in the FAI Cup. It'd definitely be strange to walk into Turner's Cross as an away supporter. Though I have experience of that, having done it when Shamrock Rovers had to play a home game at the Cross," he replied jokingly.

"Ask me again when it happens, hopefully it'll be next season with both sides strong and competing in the Premier Division."

Athlone Town are currently 5th in the Airtricity First Division and face Waterford United this Friday in the RSC.