Published: Wednesday, 9th December, 2009 5:00pm

Bennion and Caffrey sign for Athlone Town

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Athlone Town FC have officially confirmed their first two signings ahead of the 2010 League of Ireland season.

Joining up with Brendan Place's squad at Lissywoollen are experienced duo Chris Bennion, a goalkeeper signed from Dundalk, and Stephen Caffrey, a former Premier Division winner with Bohemians.

A statement on the official Athlone Town website this week said: 'Athlone Town are delighted to announce the signing of former Bohemians, St Patrick's Athletic, Glenavon and Sporting Fingal defender/midfielder Stephen Caffrey, along with former Dundalk netminder Chris Bennion - both on one year deals.'

Caffrey - who at 34 years of age brings huge experience to Athlone - has made almost 300 appearances for his former clubs, a tally which includes twelve UEFA Cup/Champions League qualifier appearances. He holds a long list of honours with two league championship winning medals and an FAI Cup winners' medal with Bohemians, along with one Irish Cup (Northern Ireland), one Coca Cola League Cup and one Gold Cup winning medal with Glentoran.

Chris Bennion's career in the League of Ireland began in 2002 when he was signed by Shelbourne from Scunthorpe Utd on a free transfer, and he played ten times as understudy to Steve Williams winning a league medal in the process. In 2004, he then signed for Dundalk and made over 150 appearances for the Lilywhites and was a key figure in the 2008 Division One winning side under John Gill.