Michael O'Connor leaves Athlone Town role

IT has been confirmed that Michael O’Connor has left his role as assistant manager to Roddy Collins at Athlone Town FC.

O’Connor told the Westmeath Independent on Thursday that he has stepped down and had no further comment to make.

O’Connor had two prior spells as manager of Athlone and remains the last manager to guide the club into the Premier Division in Ireland.

Meanwhile, Athlone Town manager Roddy Collins thanked O’Connor for his help during the pre-season and the season to date.

“Michael has decided to leave the club and I wish him all the very best. I am grateful that he helped me settle into the job,” said Collins.

The Athlone manager said that he has no immediate plans to replace O’Connor.

“I am happy with the staff I have and intend to spend more time in Athlone liaising with the U17 and U19 coaching staff. I am determined to be with Athlone for the long haul and am happy with the position we have in the First Division (fifth and two points outside the promotion play-offs),” said Collins.

Athlone travel to Finn Harps on Saturday night for their latest fixture in the Airtricity League First Division and a victory there could move the Town in second place before the following weekend’s match against table-toppers Longford Town.