It was a tough season to endure for Athlone Town as the club finished rock bottom of the SSE Airtricity League First Division. It all looked as though it was going to be a positive season after the first few weeks of the campaign and some impressive
It was a tough season to endure for Athlone Town as the club finished rock bottom of the SSE Airtricity League First Division.
It all looked as though it was going to be a positive season after the first few weeks of the campaign and some impressive results. In their opening game of the campaign, Athlone stunned eventual First Division Champions Waterford at the Athlone Town Stadium as Colm Coss' 87th minute strike ensured a surprised victory.
The opening day form continued the following week with a trip to newly-relegated Wexford and another impressive victory followed. Goals from Jose Viegas and Colm Coss in the first-half were enough to claim a 2-1 victory at Ferrycarrig Park. Unfortunately, Athlone only managed to pick up two more victories throughout the rest of the campaign and they eventually finished the season with just 17 points.
Star Player: Ryan Gaffey
One of the few shining lights of the Athlone Town campaign, Gaffey scored two goals during the campaign and can play across the forward line. At just 20-years old, he'll be one to watch in the future.
What they need for 2018
Stability: Roddy Collins is the man tasked with putting together a side who can climb of the foot of the table. After last season, a season of stability and a mid-table finish would be a great achievement in a tough division.
Young Talent: It's important Athlone continue to progress their young talent. Their U15 side won the inaugural SSE Airtricity National U15 League title in front of 1,200 supporters, a real sign of the talent in the local area.
Realistic Targets for 2018
Mid-table: With the strength of the First Division set to increase next season, if Athlone can finish off the bottom of the table and possibly in the mid-table positions, it would be real progress.
