One of Athlone’s finest sporting ambassadors who announced his retirement from the professional football environs, has been apponted first team coach at Championship club, Luton Town.
Coosan native, Alan Sheehan, donned his football boots on more than 400 occasions for numerous clubs in England in a rewarding career which spanned 19 years.
A prominent defender, Alan savoured a rewarding career in the English league divisions, and was club captain at both Notts County and Luton Town where his set piece deliveries were renowned amongst his peers and supporters.
Capped on five occasions for the Ireland U21, Sheehan swiftly followed his retirement announcement late last week with news of a return to his former club Luton Town as first-team coach.
Under Sheehan’s coaching guidance, the Kenilworth Road club enjoyed a comprehensive victory over Harrogate Town in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday.
He has once again teamed up with first team manager, Nathan Jones, who made Sheehan his initial signing upon appointment as the Hatter’s boss.
Upon his return to Luton Town, Sheehan acknowledged that it was a privilege to return to a club for whom he made 97 appearances, scoring on five occasions.
“It’s amazing to be back. It’s an opportunity that I couldn’t say no to, to work under a manager that I loved playing for along with Harty, Mick and the rest of the staff.
“To be able to come in and learn off people like that every day is so exciting, but more importantly to be able to do it at a club that I love, I’m just so happy, my family are happy and I can’t wait to get to work and get into it.
“Luton is a special place for me. I’ve gone away for the last couple of years and been fortunate to work in first team football, learn the ropes and start my apprenticeship. I’ve grafted really hard to get everything into place, but now I just can’t wait to be back at Kenilworth Road and continue learning the role.
“The fans have been unbelievable to me and hopefully I can be a small piece in the jigsaw and contribute as much as I can for them, to help this club continue being really successful,” Sheehan enthused.
