Contrary to reports in last week’s paper, early indications of optimism regarding the potential safety of Athlone Town Football Club seem to have been a bit premature, according to a statement released by the club this week.
Apparently, the amount of money lodged to the club’s bond issue rescue seems to be a bit short of the number of pledges given since the plan was first presented to the public on December 5.
Athlone Town had hoped to raise the €320,000 needed to gain an FAI licence by raising €1,000 per donation at the rate of €10 a week for two years and at a meeting on January 5, announced that more than 200 people had signed up for this.
However, this has not turned out to be the case and the club is now issuing a final appeal for the funds before the January 31 deadline to maintain its League of Ireland status.
"We are now making an urgent final appeal to everyone who has an interest in keeping Athlone Town playing senior football to subscribe before this weekend as if the patrons scheme is not successful by this weekend the club will not be in a position to receive a licence for the 2009 season,” said club spokesman, John Croughan.
The club is requesting those who have indicated their interest in the scheme to formally submit their patron’s scheme forms.
Forms can be downloaded from the club website www.athlonetownfc.ie and can be posted direct to the stadium at Lissywollen or dropped into Croughan's Centra on Castlemaine Street, the Palace Bar, or Gateway, Magazine Road, or to any committee member.
