It’s easy to be cynical as a League of Ireland fan and it’s even more easy when you’re an Athlone fan but the strong spine of a side that will take the field in Salthill next month should give even the most cynical the faintest glimmer of hope.

Brian McCarthy’s return to Athlone marks the end of a long sojourn around the LoI that encompassed trips to Bohs and, more recently, Longford. His physical strength and, presumably, partnership with Des Hope will give hopes that, along with the strong presence of Chris Bennion, Athlone’s leaky days are over.

In midfield Stephen Caffrey will provide solid experienced, bouncer like abilities that are sure to assist young bucks such as Tom O’Halleron. Austin Skelly’s re-signing also gives hope that the physical side of Athlone’s threat will be more cutting this year.

Robbie Farrell and Noel McGee, along with David Bracken and Stephen Place, provide Athlone, for the first time in a couple of years, with real options up front and the ability to play a 4-4-2 formation with a strong cutting edge.

There’s plenty of youth about the place also which is a good reflection on Brendan Place’s experience in the Republic of Ireland youth set-up. All in all there are reasons to be cheerful.

Cork City’s extinction as a League of Ireland club represents, quite paradoxically, both a new low for the game in this country and also a new opportunity to show how a football club can be successfully ran. The central problem appears to be the advent of professionalism and, in turn, club’s incapacity to sustain such an approach. But this perceived orthodoxy may not be the total of the story. Professionalism is not the problem but rather the approach to professionalism which has been, for quite some time, markedly amateur in Ireland’s second city.

League of Ireland football can, most certainly, sustain a professional structure but what it cannot sustain is a reckless and unrealistic approach to such. Equally the problems of numerous semi-professional clubs, including Athlone, in recent years points to the fact that this full-time football is not the problem. A cursory glance at Cork’s affairs since Brian Lennox departed the club points to a serious culture of mis-management that encompasses more than just money matters. When the Arkaga group took charge of Cork City they, like many others, fell into a trap of chasing money before it materialised. By their exit in late 2008 it appeared that they had not, in any way, left a club with any chance of being self-sustainable behind them.

No one would argue that football is a sustainable business; people who invest in clubs usually get little in return but Arkaga’s role in this business stinks to high heaven. Tom Coughlan, a well meaning but ultimately incapable supremo, has found to his cost that the wage structure left behind by the group’s time in charge represents the most damning indictment on Cork’s fortunes and future, or lack thereof. Wages at the club were well known to be in the high four figure region. This is unsustainable not because of the money being paid but the amount. If Shamrock Rovers can have Gary Twigg on a wage of 1,000 euro per week as their highest earner then how can Cork, a club with a similar weekly attendance, pay any more? The reality is that professional football is sustainable but, on the basis of the crowds coming through the gates, no player can be considered worth more than 1,000 euro a week.

Cork’s players had every right to seek their owed wages; they had a contract and it should have been fulfilled. The irresponsibility lies, then, on the side of those who give such wages and construct no viable plan to base it off the basic income of the club. Cynical as one might be about the FAI, their 65% rule on wages is necessary to stop another Cork City, Cobh Ramblers, or Dublin City happening. Neither is it responsible to base future earnings off European qualification; that puts the entire life of a club on the line in a situation that could be decided on penalty shoot-out. The risk is not worth it. Equally a more rewarding route to European qualification could come through a club that is able to take care of its own affairs on a weekly basis. Though that may take longer it, nonetheless, means European football is something to be enjoyed rather than a game of Russian roulette.

As we bid goodbye to Cork City, in its current guise, we are left once again with a salutary lesson. But how long will it take for that lesson to sink in. Derry City may play a new Cork outfit this season and both could visit us in Lissywollen. Let’s hope that if and when a new Cork club arrive in Athlone this year that it is the start of a club that does great things both on and off the pitch.

What a difference an Autumn makes?

The Spring was a decent period for Athlone Town as they progressed in league and cup competitions. While we would have been foolish to expect a Fingalesque rise up the table, progress, in performance and position, was not an unreasonable expectation in light of Brendan Place’s side’s early season form and organisation. That early season form was embodied in the simple things of the game. While Athlone did not posses vast quality all over the park, they did have an organisation and a purpose complemented by enough creative outlets to cause teams trouble. Take, as an example, the Easter period draw with Finn Harps. While the ultimate concession of 2 goals was a dissapointment, the positive end of the performance was the attacking prowess that yielded that 2 goal lead. A sure sign of progress on the previous year’s unfortunate and, at times, chaotic showing. This team was settled and, though experiencing many problems, was showing a rising ability to cope with the demands of First Division football.

Fast forward a couple of months and a damning 5-2 defeat to Longford Town at home made for difficult viewing. Worse still was the 6-1 hammering in Limerick and the madness of a similar defeat against a Finn Harps side stuggling for form. One 6 goal hammering should set off alarm bells but two is simply ridiculous. UCD came to town for their promotion show and easily dispatched a by now mutilated side, in terms of personnel, by 5 goals. Yet the 3-2 victory in Fingal on the season’s final day showed, inherently, that this team is capable of putting in a performance. What indeed has happened?

Primary among Brendan Place’s problems is his huge turnover of players. 42 players in total have worn an Athlone jersey at senior level in 2009. That’s two large squads worth of players. Many are promising but how do we expect progress when they are passing through a revolving door that never stops turning? Goalkeepers, defenders, forwards; noone has been exempt making it a difficult and bizzare process to learn the team line-up on match day. Beginning with the likes of Emeka and Thomas McGauley, continuing with Damien Rushe and then becoming an almost every day occurence with players we never even knew were with Athlone, teams have been built and re-built after barely a game on the field together. Hardly a recepie for progress.

While Athlone have not suffered the fate of many other teams in LOI football this year, Kildare being a case in point, their chaotic end to the season is not healthy. The football has become disjointed, lacking purpose, and disorganised. The attacking and defensive aspects of our game have not developed and, somewhat similar to last year, younger squad members have suffered in confidence while experiencing the hard and unforgiving conditions of a cold evening, a dirty pitch, even dirtier tackles, and a heavy defeat.

As we stand upon the cusp of yet another new season, looking back, as one is drawn to do, upon a decade of missed opportunity, hope is hard to come by but it most certainly exists. In 2002 Athlone were an overspent club, Liam Buckley had left after a near miss at promotion and the money which bankrolled that heady yet ultimately fruitless season was reduced to nil and a by now well familiar ‘local’ policy was being implemented. By 2008, like a vicious and unforgiving circle, we had reached a similar point and, in both cases, the heart of said policy was not based around a vision of a team but rather a desperate attempt to keep the club intact.

The above, however, is well trodden ground cured now, perhaps, by the increased supporter involvement in the future of the club. This brings us nicely to Brendan Place’s new squad. The arrivals fo Chris Bennion (Dundalk), Stephen Caffrey (free), and Robbie Farrell (Drogheda) point to a far more experienced core than last year. There are good omens too in the likes of Mark Nolan (Bohemians) and regulars such as Des Hope and, contract permitting, Noel McGee returning for another year. Another player many would like to see again is Tom O’ Halleron, a player with enormous talent and potential. His re-signing is a good thing and shows a real ambition to nurture seriously talented players with attacking capabilties.

Where this team will go this year is open to interpretation. I believe a shot at the play-offs is possible but one thing Athlone must learn and learn quickly is a physical alternative to their play. Too often last year our midfield was literally beaten to the ground and had little alternative when faced with a physical challenge. In that regard Stephen Caffrey, though expected to play a defensive role, will offer experience and a little ‘cuteness.’ Up front the pontential combination of Noel McGee and Farrell could do well and goals aplenty will be needed if Athlone are to stand up to scrutiny. A new decade beckons and with it the challenge of a return to the top table. In the chaos that has enveloped many clubs in the Premier division, Athlone offer a fresh and sustainable alternative to the boom and bust of the Corks, Derrys, and Droghedas of this world.

Tonight’s visit of Athlone to Waterford sees also the introduction of three new signings to the panel. Goalkeeper Tadgh Murphy returns to the club he left in 2005 from Cherry Orchard while two players have also been added both coming from junior football, Tom O’ Halleron (Belvedere) and Mick Byrne (Broadford Rangers). It’s obvious Brendan Place has been keeping an eye on the junior football scene and the additions are welcome after the exit of Emeka Onwubiko.

Athlone have had quite a sizeable turnover of players this year with Onwubiko probably being the most high profile exit. Afeez Sholola, Trevor Gethins, Kevin Dunne and now possibly Aaron Shanahan have exited after short spells. Shanahan, according to reports, has been told he can leave following the signing of Murphy. It is quite a bizarre decision considering both Shanahan and McGuinness have both had bad nights in the Athlone goal though, in this blog’s opinion, Shanahan has looked a sounder option.

Brendan Place has proven himself to be quite the disciplinarian in his approach to player’s attitudes this season. This is to be welcomed considering the record of some  players signed over the last few years. Consider the likes of Mixie Harty, Paul McTiernan, Ian Coffey, Davy Byrne, Levi Tierney, and Darren Young. They, along with others, have through different ways and means displayed a patent lack of urgency or care about the club and this has led to some awful performances on the pitch. It’s good to see Ian Coffey back with Athlone again as his natural ability is a great asset. Yet his commitment is questionable and he needs to make a decision on where his sporting future lies.

With this manager there is no room to hide.

Waterford United v Athlone Town

Friday 19th June, 7:45 PM, Waterford RSC

Athlone Town secured their place in the next round of the FAI cup with a hard fought victory over Division One’s basement side Kildare County on Saturday night.

Report courtesy of www.extratime.ie

By Daire Walsh

Goals from Stephen Place and Brian Cleary were the catalyst behind Athlone Town’s narrow win in this entertaining FAI Cup encounter at Station Road, Newbridge on Saturday evening. This is the second time in 14 days that Athlone have beaten Kildare by the narrowest of margins, but they were full value for their win on this occasion, and could have been further ahead before Dave O’Riordan’s consolation header.

With all of Kildare’s recent acquisitions unable to take part due to the 14-day rule which prohibits any new signing from playing in the FAI Cup, the likes of Christy Doran, Darren O’Brien and Philly Hughes had been at the club 13 days, Kildare were forced to make a number of alterations from their heartbreaking defeat to Longford last week.

It was an early own goal from Dean Lawrence that decided the league tie between the two sides a couples of weeks back, and Athlone held an early advantage once again, this time with a well-placed header from Place following a superb delivery from the left by David Tyrrell. This sparked an early period of dominance from the visitors, with decent efforts also coming from Rushe and Place once more.

Yet, after the first 15 minutes, The Thoroughbreds started to come into the game in a big way and were desperately unlucky not to get back on level terms when striker Alan Lynch’s 30-yard free-kick cracked the top of the crossbar with 27 minutes gone. Joey Somerville’s side really could have done with a goal at this point, as it would have served as a real tonic going into the second half. On the other hand though, they could so easily have conceded again, when a powerful strike by Place, who is a brother of team manager Brendan, was turned over by County ‘keeper Kevin McDonnell.

With the score line reading 1-0 to Athlone Town at the mid-way interval, there was still everything to play for in the second half, but it was the Westmeath men who once again came out of the blocks the fastest with the excellent Robbie Benson, a massive prospect at just 17 years of age, hitting the upright from a 25-yard free-kick four minutes in. However, they didn’t have to wait long for that crucial second goal, as their lead was doubled after 52 minutes when Cleary finished off a goalmouth scramble from which centre-half Thomas McGauly and Place also had efforts on goal.

This was no more than Athlone deserved, as they were effectively camped in the Kildare half of the pitch for much of the opening 20 minutes of the second-half, and Somerville once more had to revert to playing three at the back with substitute Colin Murray, who usually plies his trade at right-back, being propelled into a forward position.

He didn’t really have much of a choice with the game slipping away, but it did nonetheless see his side finding a way back into the game and Dave O’Riordan bagged his fifth goal of the season when he met Baba Isaaka’s in-swinging cross from the left with a looping header, which proved to be beyond the reach of John McGuinness in the Athlone goal.

The former Liffey Celtic man is in fine form at the moment, this was his third goal in two games, and could form a very potent partnership with Philly Hughes if they are given time to gel. As is often the case, this goal inspired County to go looking for more scores, and they probably should have gotten back on level terms just a minute later when Gavin Kinsella was through down the right, but his effort was dealt with superbly by McGuinness, who turned it away for a corner.

From this corner, Kildare had another opportunity to score, but O’Riordan headed into the side-netting from a tight angle. The momentum was undoubtedly on the side of the Kildare men at this point, and the Station Road faithful were extremely hopeful that they could at least force the tie to a replay such was the pressure they were putting on Athlone.

Unfortunately, this was as good as it was going to get for County and Athlone settled back into the match with another free-kick by Benson just narrowly missing the target. The final quarter saw little in the way of the clear-cut chances, although there were a few nervous moments for both rearguards with a number of long balls being pumped on top of both keepers.

Kildare couldn’t be faulted for effort, and they made sure that Athlone were kept on their toes until the final whistle, but Athlone simply had too much in the tank for the First Division’s bottom side. Athlone Town will now move on to the next round as Kildare re-focus themselves for next Friday’s clash against Sporting Fingal, as they hope to get a good return from their new recruits, who will all finally get the chance to play together when they make the short trip to the Morton Stadium.

Kildare County: Kevin McDonnell, Mattie Byrne, Colin Osbourne, Dean Lawrence, Baba Isaaka, Gavin Kinsella, Craig Purcell (Colin Murray 59), Cathal Brady, Oisin Farrell, Alan Lynch (Trevor Bowers 61), Dave O’Riordan. Subs not used: Paul Rigney, John Meehan.

Athlone Town: John McGuinness, Robbie Hamm, Thomas McGauly, Des Hope, Brian Cleary, Kieran Reilly, Damien Rushe, Robbie Benson, David Tyrrell, Stephen Place, Noel McGee (Kevin Horan 80). Subs not used: Cathal Joyce, Padraig Moran, Ronan Stack, Aaron Shanahan.

Referee: Rob Rogers (Dublin).

Extratime.ie man-of-the-match: Robbie Benson (Athlone Town). Had competition from goal-scorer Place and Hamm, but Benson was the most consistent performer on show, and was a constant threat in an often congested midfield.

Attendance: 150 approx.

Emeka Onwubiko has being released from his contract with Athlone Town. Speaking to the Westmeath Independent, Brendan Place cited training commitments as part of the reasons for letting the talented 19 year old go and also stated his belief that it was the right decision for all parties involved.

Saturday’s defeat to Limerick saw Onwubiko taken off after just 37 minutes as he endured yet another listless display. After an explosive start to the season he has, of late, exerted little influence on proceedings and Place is now on the hunt for some new faces.

Gary Murphy, the former Longford Town midfielder who had a spell on loan with the club in 2005, has joined along with former goalkeeper Tadhg Murphy which is sure to fuel speculation about the futures of Aaron Shanahan and John McGuinness.

New faces are a matter of urgency in many respects as Athlone bid to halt what has been an alarming slide in form. Last week’s victory in Kildare was followed by yet another poor display against Limerick. Wins have been hard to come by of late for this Athlone team but another visit to Kildare beckons this weekend and with it the chance of a decent FAI cup run to add to some excitement to a stuttering season.

Another defeat for Athlone at the weekend and the prospect of a lower half finish seems to be more and more probable.

Early goals from Shane Traecy and Paul Cummins did the damage in what was a crucial game as Athlone could have jumped to the top of the chasing pack with three points.

Next up is the FAI cup against a Kildare County side who remain rock bottom of the First Division.

Three games to go, in second place, five points ahead of our nearest challenger, the signs point ever closer to a first appearence on football’s biggest stage since the dazed, confused, and emotional Summer of 2002.

At the heart of this is one Richard Dunne. Once called the ‘honey monster’ he now stands as a figure of defiance to all who might consider this Irish team an also ran incapable of lasting the pace on the dim, cold road of qualification. A qualification tournament is the real deal in terms of international football. Finals may be misleading, after all Juventus wanted Gary Breen after the finals in 2002 and Irish fans mistakenly and almost criminaly suggested that Roy Keane was a dispensible commodity following that same tournament.

Yet facts are facts, just as Keane dragged Ireland kicking and screaming towards that same world cup so Richard  Dunne seems to be doing the same for its current incarnation. That said, he equally embodies the spirit of his manager, Giovanni Trapattoni, in playing his part in a team that is above individual talent and based on a collective effort that favours collegiality over individuality, the machine working together rather than as individual cogs. On Saturday night he rose majestically at both ends to play an ever increasing part in this campaign.

Dunne was a spectator as Given, Duff, Keane, Finnan, and Reid rose to noteriety in 2002 now he is the uncrowned leader of that team. While Keane struggled with fitness, Duff with form, and Finnan and Reid with injury Dunne led the charge yet again on Saturday night with a grim determination reminiscent of Keane, McGrath, and many others who, in the past, embodied not only their own will to take their place on the biggest stage but also the will of a whole team.

We said in 2002 that the Irish team was at its lowest ebb in terms of talent available yet now it may be even less so. There are many talented players arriving on the scene yet there is, at the same time, a dearth of experience at the top level that can only be cured by the experience of getting there and fighting for it. To achieve that goal, to turn inexperienced talent into capable class one needs leaders, people who know the feeling of being there but not competing, of being so close but not succeeding. Richard Dunne, along with the ones who share his experience: Duff, Keane, Reid, Finnan, Kilbane and Given, who on many occasions has been the only line of resistance, are the rock not on which a plan for some far away future will be drawn but a present guiding hand on which those much younger will rely to perform here and now.

Just as Keane, Staunton, and Quinn were their rock in the past so Dunne and his generation are the new rock on which the hopes of our present youth will flourish. Gone are the days of four year plans, this group of players have no time to lose.

Athlone Town play host to Pat Scullys Limerick FC this Friday 5th June ( Kick off 7.45pm) looking to build on their last two results against Mervue United and Kildare County.
After last weeks confidence building win over a much improved Kildare Brendan Place will be looking for more of the same when it comes to hard work and battling qualities. Although Athlone didn’t play as well as they had in their previous games they controlled the game for long periods of time and if players were more clinical in front of goal the score would have been far greater in their favour.
Manager Brendan Place will have selection worries with Anthony Hayes back training after a cruciate injury but still 4 weeks away from a return to the team while Stephen Place is suspended for one game due to yellow cards received and Kevin Williamson serves the first game of a 4 match additiaonal suspension for his sending off against Monaghan United earlier in the season.
A number of other signings were being arranged during this week but at time of going to press it was unknown if the registrations would be processed in time for this weekends game.
Before kick off a presentation will be made of a 5ft by 3ft framed photo of the 1924 FAI Cup winning team by Athlone Town Centre who are kindly donating this for display in the stadium. As many will know this picture was on display previously in the Royal Hoey Hotel for many years prior to its demolition to make way for the Town Centre. More info on this and the 1924 cup winning team can be found in Tadhg Carey’s book “When We Were Kings” which is available to purchase in local book shops, in the stadium shop and online at www.whenwewerekings.com

Who ever said Giovanni Trapattoni was conservative in bringing in new faces?

That may be a bit of an overstatement but at Craven Cottage on Friday night one might say we saw phase 2 of Trapattoni’s grand plan for Ireland.

A defence awash with new faces and debutants in midfield and up front made for some interesting viewing.

This excercise can be deemed a success, Sean St Ledger finally made his debut after three years of hanging around this squad. The same can be said for Liam Lawrence after his first call-up came in 2006. Impressive also were Eddie Nolan and Kevin Foley as they made their claims to the two full-back roles and heaven knows we do need a few new faces in defence.

Steve Finnan’s absence along with Kevin Kilbane’s ever increasing years mean that Ireland’s back four will be in serious need of reconstruction over the next two years and, with Trapattoni sounding out the possibility of an extended stay, the debuts of three new defenders on Friday gives us an impression of what the future might hold. St Ledger’s assured performance has given rise to rumours that he will keep his place for next Saturday’s crucial assignment in Sofia, leaving John O’ Shea to cover at right back. If this does transpire then it is a gamble but it may be worth taking. Paul McShane, hard working and tenacious as he is, is a liability at full back and has been tied to the Sunderland bench for most of 2009. St Ledger has been a consistent performer in the Championship while O’ Shea has played right back in the Champions League Final .

In midfield Lawrence lacks the energy to tear up and down the line for ninety minutes so one must expect the return of Duff and McGeady or indeed Hunt to the wide positions. Caleb Folan will start up front if fit, leaving Leon Best on the bench after a solid debut. The call-up of Best must certainly spell the end for the likes of Clinton Morrison and Stephen Elliot who have yet to appear under the new regime and were quite bluntly cast aside by Steve Staunton as he sought out scapegoats for his debacles.

Interesting too is Paddy Kenny’s absence, one might assume through holidays, as Colin Doyle and Wayne Henderson were called up to replace Westwood and Kiely with the former getting married and the latter having an ‘angry ant’ phase.

Given, Kenny, and Westwood are most certainly Ireland’s best options but then again this management team were never about picking the best players but the best team. If the cost of getting to South Africa is having to watch Liam Miller win more caps than league appearances then so be it.

That process continues unabated next Saturday in what will be the most crucial of tests. By Saturday night we could well be dreaming.

Talk of the Town’s XI

Given, St Ledger, O’ Shea, Dunne, Kilbane, McGeady, Whelan, Andrews, Duff, Keane, Folan.