John McGuinness: Goalkeeper, played last season with Longford Town. Signed following the departure of Ciaran Kelly in pre-season. Has also played for both Kilkenny City and Shamrock Rovers.
Aaron Shanahan: Goalkeeper, signed this season following the collapse of Alex O’ Reilly’s transfer. Last played for Dundalk in last season’s First Division campaign, a highly rated ‘keeper comfortable both at shot stopping and under the high ball.
Robbie Hamm: Defender, has impressed in past seasons since making his debut under Stephen Kelly in 2005. Can play anywhere on the right side. Expected to play a regular role this season following the departure of Ian Rossiter.
Kevin Williamson: Defender/Midfielder, returns to the club following an impressive spell with Monagahan United. Initially signed by Michael O’ Connor in 2006 and impressed on the clubs run to the FAI cup quarter-finals.
Brian Cleary: Defender, native of Ballinasloe. Played last season for Limerick 37, comfortable at either left back or in midfield. Talented player with a bright future in the game.
Kevin Dunne: Midfielder/Defender, versatile player who has impressed in recent years with Athlone’s youth squad. Can play in defence or midfield.
Des Hope: Defender, now the longest serving player at the club having made his debut under Jimmy Greene in 2002. Club captain for the 2009 season. When in form an impressive performer at centre-half, will hope to steer clear of injury problems this season.
Thomas McGauley: Defender, brings huge experience to a young side after spells with Dublin City and Dundalk among others. First Division winner with Dublin City in 2003.
Anthony Hayes: Midfielder, returned to the club last year after a season with Limerick 37. A product of Athlone’s youth system, made his debut in 2006.
Damien Rushe: Midfielder, returns to the club after a spell at Longford Town. Made his debut under Liam Buckley in 2001. A product of the club’s youth system, will be one of the more experienced voices on the field this year.
Ciaran Reilly: Centre midfielder signed from Monaghan United, a tough tackling player with good ball control makes him well suited to the defensive midfield role.
David Tyrell: Former Shamrock Rovers midfielder, signed on a free transfer, was a regular squad member under Pat Scully when at Rovers.
Stephen Place: Forward, younger brother of manager Brandan Place. Signed from LSL side Glebe North. Making the step-up to senior football for the first time this season.
Noel McGee: Forward, made his debut in 2006 under Michael O’ Connor. On his day a talented player of whom big things are expected in the coming seasons. Has played 54 times since 2006, scoring 11 goals.
Cathal Joyce: Midfielder, son of Athlone Town physio Gerry Joyce. Highly rated in junior football, has played for both Cherry Orchard and Athlone side Willow Park.
Kevin Horan: Youth team graduate, centre-forward, overtook Robbie Benson’s record by becoming the youngest player to play senior football for Athlone in April aged 16 years and 141 days.
Ian Coffey: Talented if slightly unpredictable forward/winger, made his debut under Dermot Lennon in 2008 only to later leave the club to concentrate on GAA. Returns this season under Brendan Place, formerly of Willow Park. Robbie Benson: Midfield/forward, made his debut, aged 16, last season against Waterford United. A talented performer at youth level and looks set to make the step-up this season after being signed as a senior player. Also an Irish under-age international.
Padraig Moran: Forward, former Hearts, Derry City, and Sligo Rovers striker. Will also be Brendan Place’s assistant for the coming season. Returned to the club last season as player/coach from Limerick 37.
