Athlone native Mannion takes up Salthill Devon post

WHEN Athlone Town take on Salthill Devon in this season's Airtricity League First Division, there will be a familiar face in the opposing dug-out, following the appointment of Athlone native Tony Mannion as Head Coach at the Galway outfit. The vastly experienced manager, who hails originally from St Coman's Park in Athlone's Baylough area, takes over Salthill Devon's senior team with immediate effect, but will face an uphill task after Devon finished bottom of the First Division last season. His new role will also see Mannion directing and developing the coaching structures across the club. Tony returns to Salthill Devon after a number of years during which he worked with the FAI in the role of Coach Educator, and has played a pivotal role in the development of coaching at all levels throughout the country, working closely with technical directors Packie Bonner, and more recently with Wim Koevermans. Mannion had a long stint in charge of Galway Utd in the past, and has also briefly managed Athlone Town. He said: "Salthill Devon are committed to a long-term strategic and sustainable plan which involves hard work and an ongoing commitment to development - across the board of players, coaches and facilities. Only with such a vision do I believe that the future of the game can be secured and a true legacy built for future generations."