Brett steps down from Athlone Town role

Gordon Brett has stepped down as head coach of the Athlone Town senior men's team.

It means Athlone Town will be making a second change at the helm this season, despite the fact that the 2023 campaign is still in its early stages.

Brett informed the club of his decision on Monday last, but it’s understood that the Athlone native will continue to coach Athlone Town's under-16 development squad.

The season began with Brett and Dermot Lennon in joint charge of the team, before Lennon stepped away from his role, although he remained as director of football.

Brett's first game as sole head coach was a 2-0 home win over Cobh Ramblers on April 14.

Somewhat ironically, Athlone's next game will be away to Cobh this Friday night, and it's not yet clear who will take charge for that fixture.

The win over Cobh was followed by a 3-0 victory over Wexford, a 4-3 defeat to Waterford and a 4-1 win over Finn Harps.

But Athlone's last two games ended in defeat to Treaty United (2-1) and league newcomers Kerry FC (3-2), in what was Kerry's first ever league victory.

Athlone currently lie fifth in the First Division table, level on points with Treaty United but ahead of the Limerick side on goal difference.

Leaders Galway United are 20 points ahead of Athlone and ten ahead of second-placed Waterford, whose head coach is former Athlone manager Keith Long.

In February, Athlone Town AFC and USA-based Valeo Futbol Club announced a "strategic partnership" aimed at improving and developing all of the League of Ireland club’s teams. The deal is expected to bring about a number of changes at the club.