As a semblance of sporting normality returns with the further easing of restrictions, Athlone Town first team manager, Adrian Carberry, is seeking a winning restart to the club’s League of Ireland First Division campaign.
Hopeful of a return to playing fare the weekend of July 31, the Athlone Town supremo, narrated his delight as the first team squad returned to training at Lissywollen on Wednesday of last week.
“I literally bounced out the door of my house on Wednesday of last week knowing that first team training was about to restart. It was such a stress relieving moment. To finally get to meet with our first team squad face to face after a number of months was a much needed boost,” Adrian remarked.
Athlone Town had played two league games prior to lockdown, enduring two losses, but as Adrian noted were “building slowly” as he continued to assemble a competitive squad.
“The defeats, while never welcome, were mainly due to individual errors, which can be eradicated and we learn from such happenings on the pitch to enable us improve.
“In our opening fixtures we have used eight U19 players and while it is great to witness the desire of young local players wearing the club colours I have to be mindful of their experience also. There are some talented footballers within the club’s underage structure and there is a bright future lies ahead,” Adrian enthused.
During the period of lockdown, Adrian hosted regular interactions with his first team squad courtesy of Zoom with players availing of online training programmes afforded by strength and conditioning coach, Derek Considine.
“The players would have worked on their fitness with running and cycling sessions and Tara Flanagan, our physio, incorporated pilates and yoga into their weekly regimes.
“With the realisation that football would be returning, we decided to up the training intensity levels in recent times so upon the players return to contact training in Lissywollen they were on a stronger footing,” Adrian asserted.
With the transfer window due to open on July 1, Adrian is hoping to add to his first team squad, with a particular focus on the spine of the team.
“We want players who have a natural desire to play for Athlone Town and who are willing to give their full focus and commitment to the cause for the remainder of the season. Their influence can only be beneficial for the younger members of the squad,” Adrian continued.
Training three times weekly with a weekend recovery session momentarily, Adrian is aspirational as he reflects upon a return to competitive action.
“If there is no change to the First Division format, we host Wexford at Lissywollen and I would be hopeful of attaining our first win of the season. There were a number of playing aspects with which I was most please in those opening fixtures and now we just need to capitalise on chances created during our fixtures. It is time to start making progress and I believe that we will be fully prepared when the season recommences,” Adrian concluded.
