Former Town 'keeper backs Collins appointment
FORMER Athlone Town goalkeeper Micheál Schlingermann - who was signed by Roddy Collins for Monaghan Utd - has given his seal of approval to the recent appointment of his former manager as Athlone's new manager. Schlingermann joined Athlone from Sligo Rovers in 2010 (the club was then under the management of Brendan Place), making 42 appearances for the Town before signing for Monaghan Utd in December, 2011. Six months later, when Monaghan withdrew from the Airtricity League, he lined-up with Drogheda Utd, who finished second in last season's Premier Division and won the League Cup. Schlingermann has first-hand evidence of Collins' managerial style, and told the Westmeath Independent that he expects Roddy to deliver results at Lissywollen. "I have only positive things to say about Roddy," said the Mayo native. "Roddy is a great man-manager, and really gets his team playing a good style of football. He's spot-on tactically, and knows the game inside-out, so the lads at Athlone are really lucky to have him. It's going to be a great challenge for Roddy, and I've no doubt he'll embrace it and get Athlone quickly moving in the right direction," added the 22 year-old netminder. Though some onlookers have expressed surprise at Collins' decision to join Athlone, having worked at some of Ireland's top clubs, Schlingermann doesn't concur. "I wasn't at all surprised to hear Roddy had taken over. Whenever I spoke to him about Athlone, he had only good things to say about the place. He remembers his time there as a player, and I think anybody that's played with Athlone, including myself, knows what a great club it is. "Roddy won't be going to Athlone to just take part, or make up the numbers. I have no doubt he'll do well there. Big-name managers will always attract good players, and I think Athlone will see him bring-in some fine performers, as well as giving chances to the local players," he said. Schlingermann proved a popular figure during his spell with Athlone, and wished Roddy Collins and his new club all the best for the 2013 season. He also said he hopes to establish himself as Drogheda's first-choice goalkeeper, having provided back-up to Gabriel Sava for most of last season.