Athlone Town seeking new manager as Ryan departs

Ian Ryan has departed his role as manager of the Athlone Town men's team.

His last game in charge was last Friday night's 1-0 defeat away to Bray Wanderers. This defeat at the hands of Ryan's former club brought Athlone's run without a win to ten games.

Ryan was appointed as Athlone Town head coach/manager in June, 2025.

"Athlone Town AFC can confirm the departure of our men’s first team manager Ian Ryan from the club," said a statement from Athlone Town AFC this evening (Monday).

"The club wishes to place on record our thanks to Ian for his contributions to the club in the last 12 months and wishes him the very best for his future endeavours.

"Conor Barry will take interim charge of the team until the search for a new manager is completed," the statement added.

Athlone Town are currently eighth in the League of Ireland First Division table, four points behind fifth-placed Longford Town, who occupy the last play-off spot at present.

Athlone are also just four points ahead of bottom-placed Treaty United.

In advance of the 2026 season, Ryan expressed hope for "a new dawn" for Athlone Town but things haven't worked out that way.

Overall, Athlone have won just six of their 22 league games so far this season.