Athlone Town 'not in crisis' as club dismisses media speculation

Athlone Town FC released a statement last week with the aim of clarifying certain matters - following speculation circulating on social media and reports in the national media.

The statement dismisses any claims of a dressing room 'split' and says that the club is 'certainly not in crisis'.

Firstly, the club confirmed that the team captain Niall Scullion would lead out the side against Shelbourne in their SSE Airtricity League First Division tie last Saturday night.

Scullion did indeed play against Shelbourne but was sent off during the game after receiving a controversial red card. At the time of Scullion's dismissal, the score was 1-1 but Shels took advantage of the extra man in the second half and went on to win 4-1 (see report in this week's Westmeath Independent).

The Athlone Town statement continued as follows:

'The club would also like to state the dressing room is not split and the club is most certainly not in crisis.

'Everyone at the club is determined to get back to winning ways after our recent unfortunate reversals.

'We hope that this dispels several misleading rumours including that Niall has left or is in some sort of protracted stand-off with the club. Niall is a most respected player at our club who leads by example. He has trained with his team mates since he recovered from injury.

'In relation to a recent article featuring the club and Niall we would like to point out that neither Niall nor the club were contacted, directly or indirectly by that media outlet about any issue concerning his availability for selection.

'The club, as has been recently reported, has embarked on a new departure which has seen coaches and players come in from abroad.

'Despite commentary to the contrary we would also like to repeat that there has been no confusion over individuals' roles within the club nor among members of the first team.

'We would respectfully suggest that members of the media, and any other interested parties posting things on social media, speak directly to the club before putting matters in the public domain that are inaccurate, half truths and potentially defamatory.

'Finally the club can confirm it has sanctioned one member of the playing staff for a breach of club discipline. However we will not be commenting any further on what is an internal matter.'