Barrett hangs up boots

Athlone Town have announced the retirement of Tommy Barrett from football. Tommy played his last game for the club last Friday against SD Galway, a match in which he scored and helped his side to keep a clean sheet. Barrett is undertaking a coaching role with Limerick FC.

He is best known for his time on Shannonside as well as having spells with Shamrock Rovers and, eventually, Athlone Town.

Speaking about his new role with Limerick, Dunne seemed optimistic.

"I'll be helping Declan Farmer with the Under 19's,” he said. “We've got another very good group of young lads this year and we'll be looking to win the league.

“Declan has been doing great work with them and we're looking forward to really get going. I'll be looking at the Academy and all age groups. We're looking to introduce a style of playing at all levels that's consistent with the clubs overall football philosophy.

“I'm not looking to really change too much, it'll be more like taking each age group and coming up with the exact age appropriate coaching.

“For example, kids need to be taught basic control before they go on to passing so we'll say aged 4-7 we'll mainly concentrate on that then we'll move our focus on to passing when they are naturally confident with the ball at their feet.

“We also spoke about not concentrating on winning; the emphasis won't be on winning leagues or cups, not until the age of 15 anyway.

Kids are naturally competitive but our focus is to develop players, not teams. We want to develop players who are capable of playing for Limerick at the top level but also capable of playing across the water in England.

“There's also a gap there now that the A Championship is gone so we're looking at hopefully coming up with something there because not all players are fully developed at 19.

“Some will take another couple of years and we don't want to lose them so we're trying to look at everything.”

While the departure of Barrett is certainly a loss, Athlone Town have mentioned that a number of additions to the squad will be announced in the coming days.

The Midlanders have also announced a friendly with Port Vale for July 24 with a 7.45pm kick-off. The game marks the return of long time friend of the club and current Port Vale manager Micky Adams to the region.

Port Vale are also set to play a Galway United Supporters Trust selection. That game will be played in Terryland Park July 28 with a 7.30pm kick-off.