Athlone Town FC in shock manager advertisement

THE uncertainty surrounding Roddy Collins’ future with Athlone Town took a twist today (Wednesday) when the club invited applications for the position of first-team manager through its official website.

Collins guided Athlone to the Airtricity League First Division title in his debut season as manager and thus ended the club’s almost 20 year exile from the top-flight of Irish football.

However, it remains unclear whether or not the Dubliner will still be in charge of Athlone at the start of the 2014 season.

A brief statement on the club website today said: ‘Athlone Town FC invite applications from suitably qualified persons for the position of first-team manager for the forthcoming season, 2014. Contact David Dully, Club Secretary by e-mail at david.dully@athlonetownfc.ie
Applications should be received no later than Wednesday, November 13. Candidates will be invited to attend for consultation on Friday, November 15’.

In response to the club inviting applications, Roddy Collins said: “I am shocked and disappointed but not surprised, that’s football. The club has the right to advertise the position if they wish to, but I’m looking forward to sitting down next week with the board and putting forward my plans to progress the club over the next three years.”

The out-of-contract Collins has made no secret of the fact he has held formal talks with two other clubs in the past week but once again, Collins reiterated today that he does not want to leave Athlone.

“I spoke to two other clubs out of respect to them and always informed Athlone Town of any discussions. I haven’t spoken to Athlone Town or any other club about budgets, wages, backroom staff or anything like that. I always said my preference is to stay with Athlone and that will always be my preference. That hasn’t changed,” Collins said today.