Published: Wednesday, 25th January, 2012 9:30am

Broughall rejoins Athlone as Kerley builds 2012 squad

ATHLONE Town have managed to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season with the signing of Garvan Broughall.

The 20-year-old returns to the club where he began his League of Ireland career, after spending last season with Limerick.

Broughall, a former Hodson Bay schoolboy, operates at right-back or in midfield, and Athlone manager Mike Kerley is pleased to have him back at Lissywollen.

Broughall made five first-team appearances for Athlone near the end of the 2010 season (under former manager Brendan Place).

Kerley said: "Garvan has agreed to come back and it's good news for the club. He's a versatile player and brings energy to the team. He's a local lad, and he wants to play for Athlone, so it's good to have him on board."

Broughall becomes the second pre-season signing to join from Limerick, following Athlone's recent acquisition of centre-back Brian McCarthy from the Munster club.

To add further to Kerley's options, Killavilla Utd midfielder Darren Coleman has also agreed to join Athlone.

Coleman, 23, has had two spells with Limerick in recent years, and was also part of the set-up at Waterford Utd when Kerley was in charge there.

Kerley had spoken to Coleman about signing for Athlone, prior to the Town's 3-2 friendly win over the Roscrea outfit last Thursday, in which Mark Sherlock bagged a brace.

Speaking about Coleman, Kerley said: "I know Darren a long time and he was probably the best player on the pitch last Thursday. He plays centre midfield but can fill a number of other positions."

Williamson U-Turn

There's also been somewhat of a turn-around regarding Kevin Williamson's future.

Last week, Kerley said it was hugely probable Williamson would sign for either Bohemians or Monaghan Utd, but the midfielder played for Athlone against Killavilla, and his situation appears to have changed.

"Kevin played against Killavilla, and we're hopeful of keeping him. We'll probably know whether he's staying or not over the next couple of days," said Kerley. Defender Joe Woods has also put pen to paper on a new deal with the club.

Robbie Kelleher, a 27-year-old former Limerick and Shamrock Rovers striker, also played and scored against Killavilla, and could be offered a route back into the league with Athlone.

Kerley said: "Robbie contacted us and is keen to get back into league football. He's been playing with Ballynanty Rovers in Limerick, and Robbie has always had great ability. If his fitness level gets to what we require, I think he'll bring something different to our attack. It's likely we'll come to some sort of arrangement with Robbie and give him a chance."

Kerley is still very light in the goalkeeping department, though Brian Collopy again turned out for the Town against Killavilla.

The manager said: "Brian has made himself available to us, if we're stuck in certain matches, but that's not the ideal situation. We're still looking at a few options in that department, but could have to go down the loan route."

One option for Athlone is former Galway Utd goalkeeper Conor Winn, but he had a trial with Shamrock Rovers last week, and Kerley is awaiting further word from him.

Kerley met with last season's top-scorer Noel McGee at the weekend and he's agreed to stay on-board. However, with McGee recently taking up a post in the army, Kerley said Athlone need to speak to the relevant authorities in terms of seeking permission to have McGee released to the club for matches.

Kerley also continues to pursue the potential signing of Ballinasloe Town striker Liam Lynch.

Athlone play host to the Dublin FÁS soccer team on Thursday night (Lissywollen, 7.30pm), and have also confirmed a friendly at home to Shelbourne on Saturday, February 25 (3pm). Last week, the club announced friendlies against Drogheda Utd (Lissywollen, February 3, 7.30pm), and Sligo Rovers (The Showgrounds, February 18, 4pm). Kerley is also awaiting confirmation of a possible friendly against Shamrock Rovers.

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