Sullivan rules out Athlone Town job on permanent basis
By Alison McConnell
Interim Athlone Town women's team manager John Sullivan expects to be in the dug-out for next week’s second leg Europa Cup qualifier against Glasgow City – but doesn’t want the job on a permanent basis.
Sullivan took charge for last Wednesday night's first leg in Glasgow after the surprise resignation of Colin Fortune last weekend, but has no designs on assuming the role that has been vacated.
“I was privileged, honoured. It's a great group,” he said of being asked to take charge for the trip to Glasgow.
“Truthfully, I wouldn't [want the job]. As I said, they're a great group. They're a fantastic group of individuals. Collectively they are amazing to work with. Whoever gets this role is in a privileged position.”
The likelihood of still competing in European football beyond next week would appear slim with Athlone having to reverse a 3-0 deficit against the Petershill side.
Goals from Amy Anderson, Linda Motlhalo and Lisa Forrest gave City a comfortable advantage as they eye up progression to the second qualification round of the inaugural competition - see more here
Sullivan, though, has insisted that there was ample evidence on offer than Athlone can turn the tide on home turf next Wednesday night (kick-off 7.30).
Certainly, there were a few sloppy moments from City in the latter stages of the game with a frustration that Athlone could not exploit some lapses in concentration from the hosts as even pulling one goal back would have altered the balance of the tie.
“You might think I'm crazy, but it's a good performance despite the result,” said Sullivan. “Three moments in a game. They've taken three chances. We've had chances. We had good composure on the ball.
“I'm not frustrated with the three goals. At the level that they're at, at this next level, you're going to be punished for those moments. That's what the better sides do to you.
“But as I said to the girls at the end of the game, ‘Did you get chances? Did you get more than three chances? Can you score the first goal back in Athlone? Do you fancy your chances?’
"Goals change games. You just have to take your moments. You're always going to get a moment in games. As I said, they're fantastic footballers. They're going to get chances against almost every team they come up against. It's just a matter of taking those chances,” Sullivan continued.
Sullivan praised the Athlone players' mentality in not allowing the off-field events of the last week to dominate the build-up to Wednesday's tie.
“There wasn't one bit of chaos within the group,” he said.
“They’re a calm collective. They're an amazing group. They're so close, they're so united that not one person can ever derail that. That's the truth.
“They've got their game face on; they've got their game plan. It's their journey.”
Sullivan also admitted to some disappointment regarding this weekend’s FAI Cup semi-final against Shamrock Rovers having to move back a day because of the fixture clash with a Leinster vs Cardiff pre-season rugby game at Tallaght Stadium. The Shamrock Rovers vs Athlone Town will now be played in Tallaght on Sunday at 2pm
However, Sullivan believes it won't affect the Athlone players as they seek a place in the final for the fourth year in a row.
“To be honest, it will not deflect our preparation ahead of the game,” he said.
“Whether it's on TV or not, whether it's Saturday or Sunday. I'd like it to be on TV - at this level it should be showcased. But things happen and we’ve got to get on with it.”