Athlone Town back in the mire as appeal issued

In a final bid to clear debts of over €300,000, Athlone Town AFC has this week issued a fresh appeal to supporters to sign up to its ongoing patrons" scheme. The club says there remains a 'very real and possible danger' that the club could fold, if people do not subscribe to the appeal by next weekend. Despite issuing a positive message at a public meeting early last week, the club is now expressing serious concerns over its future. It"s understood many people who have given verbal commitments to join the scheme have not submitted their forms. Club spokesman John Croughan said: 'We are now making an urgent final appeal to everyone who has an interest in keeping Athlone Town playing senior football to subscribe before this weekend as if the patrons scheme is not successful by this weekend the club will not be in a position to receive a licence for the 2009 season. 'There still remains a very real and possible danger that the club could go out of existence if the necessary 400 patrons required to provide a viable financial platform for the coming years do not come forward,' he continued. The club had previously indicated that there was up to 200 offers of support and is now requesting those who have indicated their interest to formally submit their patrons scheme forms.