Athlone Town has confirmed the appointment of former player, Gordon Brett, as men’s first team head coach.
The Coosan native takes sole control of the first team following his stint as joint manager with Dermot Lennon who has returned to the role of Director of Football at the club.
Brett’s appointment was confirmed by the club following the Town’s fourth league victory of the season, a 2-0 defeat of Cobh Ramblers ensuring Athlone remain in the top half of the division.
The statement issued by the club noted Brett’s strong ties to Athlone Town, both as a player and coach.
‘The Athlone Town Association Football Club (Athlone AFC ), one of the oldest teams in the League of Ireland, with a storied history and deep roots in the Athlone community, is pleased to announce that Gordon Brett has been appointed as its new Head Coach. Most recently, Brett served as the club’s head video match analyst for the past three seasons as well as an Athlone Town Football Club Academy coach for the past five seasons.
‘He has deep ties to Athlone AFC and an unparalleled track record of helping players reach the highest levels of football. Brett began his football career as an Athlone AFC player before playing with Galway United in the League of Ireland. He has served as Head Coach of Athlone AFC’s U21 team in the former U21 National League, as Assistant Manager to Athlone AFC’s First Team, and was previously the Head Coach of the Irish Colleges International Squad, a squad he also played with as captain,’ the statement detailed.
In accepting the role, Gordon Brett paid homage to Dermot Lennon, Athlone AFC’s previous Head Coach with whom he worked with closely.
“I’m delighted to accept the role of Head Coach of the Athlone Town Association Football Club, a team that I have been a fan of since I was five years old. I grew up with sporting heroes including Padraig O’Connor, Michael O’Connor, Dennis Clarke, and Noel Larkin. I look forward to connecting with Dermot and pushing the first team forward for the rest of the season.
“I want to thank Valeo Futbol, which is helping Athlone AFC recapture the imagination of the local community as well our fans for all of their support. Taking on this role is the honour of a lifetime, and I look forward to being part of a successful new era for the club, both on and off the pitch,” Brett enthused.
