Castelo departs as Athlone Town manager
Athlone Town are seeking a new manager for their men's team after Dário Castelo departed the role by "mutual consent".
The news comes following last Friday night's 3-0 defeat to Kerry FC which leaves Athlone bottom of the SSE Airtricity Men's First Division table.
"Athlone Town AFC can confirm that Dário Castelo has departed from his role as first team manager by mutual consent," said a club statement yesterday (Saturday).
"Dário, who took charge of the team in 2023, led Athlone Town to the playoffs in each of the past two seasons — an achievement that reflects his dedication and passion for the role. He leaves with the respect and gratitude of everyone at the club."
"The recruitment process for a new manager will begin in the coming days," the Athlone Town statement added.
Castelo said: “I would like to thank everyone for all the support, respect and friendship I received throughout my time in this role.”
Athlone are level on points with second from bottom Kerry but have an inferior goal difference. Indeed, goals have been very scarce for Athlone so far this season with only four goals scored from nine games. Athlone have failed to score in their last four league matches.
Despite their poor start to the season, Athlone still harbour hopes of making the play-offs. The rather bizarre promotion format means that a fifth-placed finish is enough to secure a place in the play-offs.
At present, Athlone are just five points behind fifth-placed UCD and there is only a quarter of the season gone.
Castelo's departure comes after recent reports in the national media claimed that Canadian businessman Eric Perez is a key member of a consortium looking to take charge of Athlone Town.
Perez is the executive chairman of English non-league club Truro City and consortium is believed to also include a key figure at an English Championship club.
Athlone Town's previous arrangement with Massachusetts-based company Valeo – which brought about an influx of overseas players – came to an end some months ago.