Portuguese coach takes over as Athlone Town manager

Athlone Town AFC announced this evening that Portuguese coach Ricardo Monsanto has replaced Colin Fortune as first team manager.

Fortune, who had significant spells as a player with Athlone and Galway United, had been at the helm since the latter period of the 2016 season.

In a statement, the club said it was 'delighted to confirm that respected Portuguese coach Ricardo Monsanto has been appointed as First Team Manager. Ricardo is the holder of a UEFA A License, awarded to him by the Portuguese Football Association

'Colin Fortune has assumed a new role of Head Coach and will continue to provide the sterling service he has given Athlone Town AFC on and off the field over many years,' said the statement.

It added: 'Coaches Ricardo Cravo, also from Portugal, and Gavin Drummond are also on board and will play their part as part of the backroom team.

'The changes take effect from today (Thursday, March 9) however it is important to note that the coaching staff have been working well together since the start of the season.

'To date this coaching structure has greatly aided the blending in of the first team squad's locally based players with those who have come in from Europe.

'The changes have been brought about as part of the club's ongoing efforts to improve results and player performance on the field of play.

'The Football Association of Ireland have been formally notified of the changes. The club has no doubt that our senior coaching staff will continue to work both with each other and the players to build on our positive opening to the 2017 First Division season.

'The club asks that all genuine fans of Athlone Town AFC give their full support to the management team and playing staff particularly in our upcoming games against neighbours Longford Town,' concluded the statement.

Athlone, who picked up maximum points from their first two games of the season - against Waterford and Wexford - face Longford Town at home tomorrow (Friday) at 7.45pm.