Willow Park appoints new first team manager
Willow Park FC has announced the appointment of Colin Fortune as Director of Football and Leinster Senior League manager.
A former player with the club, Fortune brings an impressive CV to the post. A League of Ireland player for over 14 seasons, he clocked up well in excess of 200 appearances with Athlone Town, Galway United and Dundalk.
As a UEFA 'A' licensed coach, Fortune has also served as first team manager with Athlone Town AFC and most recently as assistant manager with Galway United.
Willow Park FC chairman Adam Ellison said: “Colin’s record and standing in the game speaks for itself, and we are thrilled to have him come on board to help spearhead the future football direction of the club.”
Colin Fortune said: “I’m really excited by the task ahead of me. It’s a long term project and one I’m really looking forward to. There are some great people at the club and ultimately, I’m here to help wherever I can.
"It is my intention to help develop everyone and every aspect of the club including football structures, coach development, player development and sporting facilities.
“I am ambitious and believe with the support and buy in of everyone at the club, we can bring this club to another level, and in partnership with the local community and the wider football community.”
Willow Park's first team was recently relegated from the second flight of the Leinster Senior League, so Fortune's target for next season will surely be to secure promotion.
As manager of the club’s Leinster Senior League side, Fortune said his goal is to help bring the club into the top division of the Leinster Senior League, to qualify regularly for the FAI Senior Cup, and to provide opportunities for local players to experience top level intermediate football.
As director of football, Colin is also preparing a blueprint for the development of all football activities within the club.
He sees the men’s CCFL team as a key component of the club, both challenging for silverware in its own right, and as a development pathway for the Leinster Senior League side.
“It is also my desire to help strengthen and further develop women’s and girls' football within the club,” Colin added.
“We will provide a professional, competitive environment in our senior teams and I believe all adult teams in the club can be a stepping stone for players who may not yet have fulfilled their ambitions to play League of Ireland senior football.”
At underage level, the club is committed to a player-centred approach which prioritises maximum player participation in a fun, safe and positive environment.
“Willow Park FC aims to provide a lifetime of football education and participation within the club. We aim to encourage players to reach their full potential both on and off the pitch,” said Colin, who has also worked as an academy coach with Athlone Town AFC and is current head coach with TUS Athlone.