Breaking news athlone town boss joins bohemians

KEITH LONG has been officially appointed as the new manager of Bohemians.

A statement on the Dublin club’s official website this morning confirmed the acquisition of the now former Athlone Town boss.

Long took over as Athlone Town manager in late April, replacing Mick Cooke, with the Town on a ten game losing streak from the start of the 2014 SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

Subsequently, Long - with the experienced Eddie Wallace as his assistant - won many admirers for almost keeping Athlone in the Premier Division, as they carried the fight for survival to the last day of the season.

Earlier this week Long intimated to the Westmeath Independent that his intention was to remain as a Premier Division manager - despite Athlone’s relegation.
Long - along with other former Athlone managers Roddy Collins and Mick Cooke - were strongly linked with the vacant Bohemians job almost immediately after Athlone’s relegation.

The Bohemians job became available at the end of the season when their manager Owen Heary agreed to join Sligo Rovers.

Athlone Town now begin searching for a new manager to take charge for next year’s First Division season, which begins in March.