McCarthy returns to boost Athlone's defensive options
by Kevin O'Neill Updated: Wednesday, 11th January, 2012 5:31pm
ATHLONE Town have made their first new signing ahead of the 2012 season, with towering defender Brian McCarthy returning to the club for a third spell.
The 24-year-old returns to his home town club following a season spent with promotion contenders Limerick, and his return to Lissywollen will represent a boost to Mike Kerley's pre-season preparations.
McCarthy, who has also played for Bohemians and Longford Town, agreed to sign on Monday, while eight players from last season's squad have also officially re-signed for the 2012 campaign (which begins in early March).
Kerley is close to finalising deals for the coming season with nine more of last season's squad.
The Athlone manager also met with Garvan Broughall on Monday and offered him a contract for the coming year. Broughall, who played alongside McCarthy for Limerick last season, has asked for some time to consider the offer, and is expected to inform Kerley if he intends to return to Athlone next week.
Speaking about McCarthy's acquisition, Kerley said: "Brian is a very good defender and has plenty of experience for someone his age. He's also good in possession. We'll try to play from the back a bit more this season, to start attacks from defence, and Brian can be very useful in that sense. Unfortunately, we saw first-hand how good Brian is at set-pieces last season, when he scored against us. I'd be hoping our centre-backs can contribute goals from set-pieces, and would be looking for them to get four or five goals a season."
Kerley intimated that the defender's acquisition could convince other targets to join Athlone.
Those who officially put pen to paper with Athlone on Monday were Tommy Barrett, Brian Gill, Roy King, Stephen Relihan, Damien Rushe, Mark Sherlock, Mark Walshe and Joe Woods.
Jamie Carr, Brian Collopy, Paul Danaher, Declan Fallon, Jason Hughes, Noel McGee, Eoin Monaghan, Ian Sweeney and Kevin Williamson are expected to sign new contracts over the coming days.
Kerley said he doesn't envisage any problems with the aforementioned players re-signing before the end of the week, saying they've all indicated a desire to remain with Athlone.
"I think this group of players gives us a solid base. It was important to have some form of continuity. We're still looking for new signings, and will possibly have three or four by the weekend," Kerley said.
Another of last season's squad, Niall Scullion, is showing good signs of recovery from an ankle operation, and plans to join up with Athlone for pre-season training. Kerley said Scullion's recovery will be carefully monitored over the coming months, but said his intention is to sign the Athlone native.
"The doctor was happy with Niall's operation, although they also found the injury to be more serious than first thought. Niall has been unfortunate with injuries during his career, and I think this is the third operation on his ankle," said Kerley.
Kerley plans to use this evening's friendly game against IT Carlow to further analyse a handful of potential new signings. "I've already spoken to a handful of IT Carlow players, and am interested in signing a few of them. There's some good talent there."
Kerley, who earlier this week saw two transfer targets (Newcastlewest striker Gary Shanahan and Mervue Utd midfielder John Mountney) sign for Premier Division Dundalk, said he needs a larger squad this season.
"There were times last season when we over-used the young players ... but the young players remain very much part of our plans for the coming season," he added.
