Published: Wednesday, 13th January, 2010 12:49pm

My Athlone Town Team of the Decade

1. GARY CONNAUGHTON

This was an easy choice for Athlone have struggled hugely to replace the giant Tubberclair custodian since he quit to concentrate on Gaelic football in 2003, a decision vindicated after he won a Leinster Senior Football Championship title with Westmeath a year later. Connaughton was a major contributor to Athlone's near-promotion bid in the 2000/01 season and his commanding presence between the posts was constantly reassuring. Many have tried to fill his giant gloves since but none have succeeded to date.

2. GERARD O'BRIEN

Proved a brilliant signing when brought to the club on loan for the 2003 season from St Pat's. At that stage, O'Brien was merely a promising and exciting attacking full-back, but it's no surprise to anyone who watched him at St Mel's Park to see his development over recent years. O'Brien, now 25, has established himself as one of the country's best full-backs in recent years, going on to play for Shamrock Rovers and Derry City. He recently joined Sporting Fingal and has also represented Ireland at under-23 level.

3. KEITH O'BRIEN

This attacking left-back joined Athlone from Shelbourne in 2000 and was a key figure in Liam Buckley's side as Athlone almost gained promotion to the top flight. Joined up with the attack as often as possible and was a very good crosser of the ball. Eventually suffered injury problems during his second season at the club before joining Kildare County.

4. JAN FITZELL. Another key element of Liam Buckley's promotion challenging team of 2000/01. Operated at either right-back or centre-back and never let anyone down with committed and tenacious displays. Although Fitzell was never the most technically gifted player, he knew how to defend and make life difficult and awkward for attackers. Was originally signed from Shelbourne by Joey Malone in 1998 and played with Athlone until December, 2002, before leaving to gain employment in Australia.

5. DES HOPE

The only current player to make the team of the decade. Hope made his debut for Athlone in 2001 and although hampered by a spate of injuries for many years, has played over 150 games at this stage. Was appointed team captain by Brendan Place last season and had perhaps his most consistent and productive season to date.

6. CONOR FRAWLEY

The Willow Park native is chosen in midfield, a position he occupied during the earlier part of his Athlone career. Was also a hard-hitting centre-back for Athlone and captained the team which almost got promotion in 2001. His two brothers, Ronan and Brian, have also played for Athlone. Conor left Athlone in 2004 and has since been involved with local junior league side Willow Park. Is often linked with a return to Athlone as manager.

7. STEPHEN GAVIN

The Mayo native fills the right-midfield berth. Signed from Longford Town in 2003, Gavin was hugely popular with Athlone supporters and was a massive threat to defences when injury-free. Is now involved with Mayo junior league outfit Snugboro Utd.

8. STUART CONNOLLY

Brought to the club in 1999 by Jimmy Greene, Connolly got off to a ropey start with Athlone before firmly establishing himself as one of the best midfielder's in the First Division. Was a tough-tackling midfielder who gave brilliant commitment to the cause. Left for Dundalk after Athlone failed to gain promotion in 2001 but never reached the same heights at Oriel Park due to ongoing injury problems.

9. ANDY MYLER

Made a massive impact on the club in a short space of time. Spent one and a half seasons with the club, netting a record high 29 goals during his debut season at St Mel's Park. A genuine goal-poacher, Myler was hugely prolific in breaking Eugene 'Pooch' Davis' long-standing goalscoring record for a single season. Went on to net many goals for Shamrock Rovers and Longford Town during an excellent League of Ireland career.

10. STEPHEN MULLAN

Local Stephen Mullan makes the team after several years of solid service to the club. Mullan provided the legs and speed beside Andy Myler and always chipped in with his fair share of goals. Since leaving Athlone, Mullan has helped St Peter's to the final of the FAI Junior Cup.

11. COLIN FORTUNE

Another local player who made a good impact at his home town club over the years. An experienced midfielder who also played for Dundalk and Galway Utd, Fortune gave Athlone plenty of years of fine service and was always particularly deadly from set-piece situations.

Now playing with Willow Park in the Combined Counties Senior Division and coaching with the ADSL.

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