Gray confirms women's head coach appointment "imminent"

Athlone Town are "very close to reaching an agreement" to appoint a new head coach for the women's first team.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent on Wednesday afternoon, Athlone Town CEO Steven Gray said he hoped an "appointment was imminent" following a "rigorous process".

Speculation has been widespread that Republic of Ireland midfielder Lily Agg would be appointed to fill the vacancy left by John O'Sullivan following his departure from the role in March.

The 32-year-old, who is currently in the early stages of recovering from a ruptured achilles, was spotted in the Athlone Town Stadium earlier this month as she watched the Premier Division and FAI Cup champions defeat Treaty United.

However, Gray said he was not in a position to "name names" regarding the appointment at this time.

"The reality is a massive amount of work has gone on behind the scenes, involving multiple club departments, to ensure the right appointment is made," Gray said.

The CEO stated that it had been a "real challenge" to find a new head coach "which the women's team deserves".

"Our women's team, the reigning double champions, deserve the best possible candidate for the role and I'd like to think that, as a club, we have put in an extensive body of work to ensure that we can deliver a head coach of the highest calibre," Gray concluded.