ATHLONE Town FC have completed their search for a first ever full-time Chief Executive Officer, appointing former Cork City FC stalwart John O'Sullivan to the post.

Athlone club chairman John Croughan this week confirmed the appointment, saying O'Sullivan (a key mover in the formation of Cork City FORAS Co-Operative), which ultimately saved senior soccer in Cork, will officially begin working in the role from early May.

Mr Croughan said the club was "very happy" with the level of applicants interested in the CEO position, and said that five candidates made it to the interview stage.

Among O'Sullivan's many jobs to oversee will be the fostering and further development of concrete link-ups and partnerships between the club and the ADSL and Athlone IT, as well as the construction of a new astro-turf facility at the club's Lissywollen base.

O'Sullivan will also be charged with setting up a similar supporter-owned scheme to that which he helped implement at Cork City three years ago. O'Sullivan, a native of Co. Kerry but now living in Cashel, Co. Tipperary, was involved with FORAS (Friends of the Rebel Army Society) since its foundation, and served as chairman of Cork City FC as the Munster side made a return to the Premier Division last season. At the end of last season, O'Sullivan stepped down as Cork City chairman, citing a need for Cork City to keep ideas fresh by allowing "new blood" onto the board.

Speaking of the appointment, Mr Croughan said: "A lot of good work has taken place behind the scenes at the club over recent months, and progress has been made on several fronts, including in terms of developing stronger and more concrete links with the ADSL and Athlone IT, two things we'd hope to be able to comment on further in the near future.

"However, despite the very best efforts of everybody involved, we need someone to spearhead our plans for the future, and we feel John O'Sullivan is the right man to do this. He brings serious expertise and experience to the role, and we look forward to moving the club forward, with the help of John, in the future."

The Westmeath Independent will be discussing Athlone Town's plans for the future in more detail in the coming weeks.