With a return to the Airtricity League Premier Division secured it has been a particularly busy few months for Athlone Town, who make the short trip to City Calling Stadium for a friendly with Longford Town this evening.
Mick Cooke's side will also travel to Eamonn Deacy Park for another away fixture against Galway FC on Saturday February 22. Cooke has raided his former club Drogheda United to bolster Athlone's squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.
The majority of Athlone's new additions will be in action at the Flancare Road venue tonight against a Longford outfit that has been busy attracting players themselves. The arrival of Stephen Rice and Pat Sullivan mean Longford are viewed as favourites to finally secure the First Division title.
Athlone know a competitive contest awaits and manager Cooke's vast knowledge of Premier Division football ensures the next couple of months promise to be interesting. Derek Prendergast, Alan Byrne, Graham Rusk, and Sean Brennan have the skill set to aid Athlone as they seek to make an impact in the top flight again.
Athlone Town 2014 squad numbers: 1 Paul Skinner, 2 Conor McMahon, 3 Sean Byrne, 4 Derek Prendergast, 5 Aidan Collins, 6 Alan Byrne, 7 Kealan Dillon, 8 Mark Hughes, 9 Philly Gorman, 10 Sean Brennan, 11 Ian Sweeney, 12 Neil Harney, 13 Niall Scullion, 14 Barry Clancy, 15 Graham Rusk, 16 James O'Brien. 17 David Brooks, 20 Craig Sexton, 21 Patrick Dunican, 23 Jason Marks.
