Neil Harney has parted company with Athlone Town FC.

Versatile Athlone Town defender leaves the club


NEIL Harney has confirmed that he has parted company with Athlone Town FC, as the club remain hopeful of securing two more new signings before the close of the July transfer window tonight (Thursday).

Harney, a versatile defender, who played in Athlone’s last two matches in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, played a significant role in the Town’s promotion winning season last year, featuring 18 times as Roddy Collins led Athlone to the First Division title.

Harney suffered an injury early this season, which sidelined him for some time. His departure means that Ian Sweeney is now the only established member of the first-team squad that hails from Athlone.

In a statement issued by Harney on Facebook on Wednesday, Harney said: ‘I’ve resigned on my own behalf from Athlone Town FC, due to ongoing differences since the start of the 2014 season with some members of the executive committee and others, which have not been resolved. I’m sorry to leave my own hometown club, which I signed for above others at the start of this season. I’d like to thank the fans for the support while I was at the club, and I wish the team every success in the future’.

Harney’s departure comes as Athlone Town prepare for a massive relegation battle against Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday night (7.45pm).

Meanwhile, Jason Marks and David Brookes have also left the club, as the transfer window readies to close at midnight tonight (Thursday). Midfielder Dylan Hayes has joined the club after a spell in England with Derby County. It’s believed Athlone are hopeful of securing two more signings before the transfer window shuts at midnight. Sam O’Connor, a centre-forward who featured for Athlone in the recent friendly against Dundee Utd, is believed to be one of the targets Athlone are hoping to get over the line by tonight.