Athlone Town confirms senior managers for 2023 season

Athlone Town has confirmed the managers who will take charge of the club's senior men's and women's teams for the 2023 season.

Dermot Lennon and Gordon Brett will continue as the management team of the Athlone Town senior men’s team.

Lennon was appointed as interim Athlone manager last April following the departure of Martin Russell, and he combined the role with the director of football position he already held for the remainder of the 2022 season.

Athlone finished second from bottom of this year's nine-team First Division. But having only registered a single point from their opening eight games before Lennon took over, finishing seven points above bottom-placed Cobh Ramblers was a sign of the progress made, with Athlone producing a strong finish to the season.

"Dermot and Gordon took over the management role halfway through the 2022 season and changed the fortunes of the team which had been struggling up to that point. They are now looking to build on that and continue to push up the table," said a club statement.

Lennon said: “Last season, when we came in, was about steadying the ship but now it’s time to push on and build on that.”

Brett said: “We need to hit the ground running so for us next season has already started and Dermot and I have spoken to last season's players and we are now making contact with others with a view to them joining the squad.”

Meanwhile, as expected, Tommy Hewitt will continue as women's team manager, having guided Athlone Town to second place in the Women's National League, in addition to reaching the FAI Women's Cup final. Athlone lost out in the cup decider to Shelbourne, who also won the league title.

In a club statement, Athlone Town said it was "delighted" to confirm that Hewitt would take charge again next season.

"Tommy, who has overseen the team since their entry into the league, led them to the runners-up spot in the League and the Cup this season and is now looking to take them to that coveted number one spot," said the club statement.

"The process of putting together the squad for next season has already begun and Tommy will be looking to retain as many of last season’s squad as possible while also looking to add players to give them additional strength in depth."

Hewitt said: “We have had a terrific season and I am delighted to continue to lead this wonderful group of ladies on a journey that will hopefully take them to the top of Women’s National League football.”

The club has wished Tommy, Dermot and Gordon all the best for the season ahead.