Published: Wednesday, 14th July, 2010 5:00pm

Hectic transfer window action already at Athlone Town

ATHLONE Town's playing squad appears to have been reduced in quality over the past week, with the departures of four established first-team players coming as a blow to supporters.

The club has announced the exits of captain Chris Bennion to St Patrick's Athletic, and local duo Robbie Benson and Tom O'Halloran, both of whom have agreed soccer scholarships with UCD.

Manager Brendan Place's brother, Stephen, has also parted company with the club, while Stephen Caffrey announced his decision to retire after the recent defeat to Shelbourne.

However, it's expected the club will make a number of new signings before the close of the transfer window at the end of July.

Speaking to the 'Westmeath Independent' this week, Ireland underage star Robbie Benson, who made 12 appearances this season, scoring twice, said it was a privilege to play for the club.

"I supported Athlone Town since I was six or seven years old, so playing for the Town was something I always wanted to do," Benson said.

"Unfortunately, I suppose I had to be a bit selfish and consider what's best for my future in the game. UCD and the manager there, Martin Russell, have given me a great opportunity, and it was one I had to take with both hands. My aim is to get into the UCD team as soon as possible," he added.

Both Benson and O'Halloran have begun training with UCD with immediate effect, but won't be allowed play for the Students until the results of their Leaving Certificate are known in September.

O'Halloran was troubled by injury for much of the opening part of the season and also had commitments with the Irish Schools' team and he made just three first-team starts this season.

Bennion has been ever-present between the posts for Athlone since signing from Dundalk during pre-season, only stepping aside once to be replaced by Michael Schlingerman for a League Cup game against Longford Town, and his departure could prove very costly for the Town.

The former captain said he was disappointed to leave the club, but remained slightly ambiguous in his remarks.

"I really enjoyed my time at the club and was honoured to be club captain. The fans around the place are fantastic, and I'm not just saying that, they truly are. I didn't want to leave the club, but that's football I suppose. I just hope the fans see that I was there trying to help the club build something," Bennion said.

The Scottish-born goalkeeper was an integral reason behind Athlone's early season defensive solidity, keeping seven clean sheets in the opening ten league games.

Meanwhile, striker and current top-scorer Austin Skelly has reassured Athlone supporters he has no intention of leaving the club.

Skelly, who has struggled to get into Brendan Place's first-choice team of late, has been linked with a move to Drogheda Utd, but said this week:

"Austin Skelly is going nowhere. I love the fans and the club too much, and will continue to fight for my place in the team for the remainder of the season."

To help fill the gaps in the squad, Brendan Place has drafted in Ciaran Maloney, a left winger from Cherry Orchard, who made his debut in last weekend's loss to Finn Harps, while Dean Marshall, signed two weeks ago from Sligo Rovers, will also be expected to fill the major void left by Benson's departure.

Place has also signed a number of younger players in a bid to bolster the ranks, with young local players Robbie Murray and Kevin Boland returning to their home town club after spells with Belvedere and Longford Town respectively.

Both are expected to gain experience with the club's under-17s and under-20s, with the same scenario likely to apply in the cases of other new recruits Thomas O'Hanlon - the younger brother of Town right-winger Richie O'Hanlon - who joins from Crumlin Utd, and former Shamrock Rovers under-20s striker Daniel O'Reilly.

Defender Christopher Browne (FC Carlow) is expected to challenge for a first-team place soon, while another young local player, Aaron O'Connor, has also rejoined the ranks after a spell away from the game.

Athlone are also believed to be close to signing Bohemians winger Ryan McEvoy on loan.

However, despite the influx of new blood, it's the departures that will worry Athlone followers most, with the loss of Benson and Bennion, in particular, looking like a large blow to Athlone's season.

The Town are currently fourth from bottom of the First Division after 18 games and are level on points with neighbours Longford Town, who they play at Flancare Park this coming Saturday (7.30pm).