Wallace in positive mood as athlone prepare for kickoff
Athlone Town will begin the process of trying to return to the top tier of Irish football with a trip to Waterford Utd this evening in the opening round of fixtures in the 2015 SSE Airtricity League First Division (Waterford RSC, 7.45pm).
Athlone manager Eddie Wallace’s side have impressed during pre-season with a notable 4-1 defeat of Cork City, last season’s Premier Division runners-up, proving particularly encouraging.
The Town also achieved commendable draws away to Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers, as well as experiencing narrow defeats against Galway Utd, Sligo Rovers (both 1-0), and Longford Town (4-3).
Wallace - who has put together a squad comprising 22 players including eight of last season’s squad - believes his side can be as good as any other in the First Division.
“We have signed good players and they will get better and make progress. We are happy with the players signed and are really keen to perform well in the opening match against Waterford. We are prepared as best as possible and the pre-season went reasonably well,” said Wallace.
However, Athlone’s plans for the weekend could be impacted by a spate of early season injuries, including to recently installed team captain Brian Shortall, who looks like missing a couple of weeks with a groin problem. Also on the doubtful list for the weekend are strikers Philly Gorman and Sam O’Connor and defenders Aidan Friel, Robert Gaul and Stephen Quigley.
“It’s not helpful going into the first game of the season but I’m sure every club in the country has injury problems at this time of year. It’s not unusual to be without a few players for the first match or two.
'In fairness, the players that played in the recent friendlies equipped themselves very well and we’re happy about that. I have to be honest and admit I haven’t seen a First Division game in a few years, as I’ve usually been involved at Premier Division level, but we’ve had Waterford looked at and won’t go into the game blind,” said Wallace.
“In terms of how well we might do this season, I think we’ve as good a chance as any other side in the division. We have signed some very good players and their style of play is pretty good.
'It’s up to me to manage them as well as possible and try to get the very best out of the group throughout the season, and we’ll see where it takes us. But as things stand, I’m happy about the squad and I think we can do quite well,” he added.
Athlone’s first home game of the season will take place on Friday week, March 13 with the visit of Cobh Ramblers to Lissywollen (kick-off: 7.45pm).
Referre Michael O'Connor will take charge of tonight's game in Waterford.
Tonight's other fixtures in the division include newcomers Cabinteely hosting Wexford Youths (Stradbrook, 7.45pm) and Shelbourne taking on Finn Harps (Tolka Park, 8pm). Tomorrow night, at 7.45pm Cobh Ramblers will host UCD, who were relegated from the Premier Division last season after a play-off against Galway United.
Athlone Town squad for 2015 season
Goalkeepers: Shane Cusack and Patrick Dunican.
Defenders: Aidan Collins, Stephen Quigley, Brian Shortall, Stephen Dunne, Aidan Friel, Robert Gaul, Philly Hand.
Midfielders: Derek Doyle, Gary Burke, Marco Chindea, Michael Brown, Daniel Purdy, Thomas Mulroney, Ryan Doolin, Gavin Boyne, Eric Foley, Garreth Brady.
Strikers: Philly Gorman, Sam O’Connor, Garbhan Coughlan.