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.
