Blow for Athlone Town as leading goalscorer departs

Striker Philip Gorman, who was a leading source of goals for Athlone Town during the last three seasons, has left the club.

Waterford United boss Roddy Collins has signed the 34-year-old Kildare native for the 2016 season.

Playing under Collins in 2013, Gorman earned the First Division Player of the Year award as his goals helped the Town secure promotion to the Premier Division.

In a statement issued by Waterford United, Collins said Gorman was 'a top class goalscorer with a proven record and he seldom misses games through injury.'

Two other members of Collins' squad when he managed Athlone - Sean Byrne and Roddy Collins Jr - have also signed for Waterford.

'Sean Byrne is a player who can also play on the left side of midfield. He's 25 years old and I tried to bring him to Derry but he emigrated to Australia. My own son has a lot of experience considering he's still a young lad and I'm thrilled to have him with us,' said Collins.

Alan Mathews will take again charge of Athlone in 2016. This week, Mathews said his squad would effectively be all-amateur and composed of younger players.

* For more views from Alan Mathews ahead of the new season, see this week's edition of the Westmeath Independent.