O'Connor departs Athlone Town with immediate effect
By Ronan Fagan & Kieran Galvin
Athlone Town has confirmed the departure of Michael O'Connor from his role with the club.
A statement issued by the club this afternoon said that "the board of Athlone Town AFC can confirm that Michael O’Connor has resigned from his role with the club with immediate effect."
The statement thanked Michael and his family for his time with the club and wished him "the very best in the future".
A legendary former player and manager of Athlone Town, O'Connor has had a very long association with his home town club.
The latest development comes following the departure of five players from the club earlier this week.
The quintet of Adam Wixted, Declan McDaid, Kyle O'Connor, John Ross Wilson and Bastien Héry have been released, the club has confirmed.
Meanwhile Danny Byrne, a member of the interim management team, has stepped away from his role with the senior team, and has returned to his underage coaching role with the club.
McDaid, O'Connor and Wilson all featured as substitutes in Athlone Town's recent loss away to Bray Wanderers as the Midlanders slumped to their eighth defeat of the league campaign.
The departing players will not be in a position to move to another club until the transfer window reopens on July 1.
It is understood that budgetary factors played a role in the players being released from the club as a turbulent season continues.
The latest development comes following recent speculation of a possible takeover of the club or new investment deal which has failed to materialise as of yet.
Meanwhile, the club continues its search for a new first team manager following the departure, by mutual consent, of Dario Castelo last month.
Castelo's exit led to the appointment of an interim management team of Declan Holohan, Robbie Rock and Danny Byrne. With Byrne having left his role, Holohan and Rock will be in charge for tonight's fixture at home to Cobh Ramblers.
Despite the club's position at the foot of the First Division table, Athlone Town are within five points of the play-off places.