Athlone Town has expressed their sadness following the recent passing of former first team manager, Eddie Wallace.
A statement issued by the club noted that Wallace was “a true gentleman of the game who had a keen eye for identifying and developing young talented players”.
‘Everyone at Athlone Town AFC would like to add to the many tributes paid to the late Eddie Wallace, who as well as being a former Manager of our Men’s Senior Team was very much a true gentleman of the game.
All associated with the club, who knew and had worked with Eddie during his time here, were deeply saddened when news broke that he had passed away following a battle against illness.
Throughout his football career Eddie was extremely well-known, both a coach and somebody with a keen eye for identifying and developing talented young players.
Having initially come to the club as an assistant manager Eddie took over the managerial hot seat for a period in 2014, when he succeeded the departing Keith Long.
During his spell at the helm of Athlone Town AFC’s first team Eddie was widely respected for his professionalism, coaching acumen, and footballing philosophy.
Off the pitch Eddie was rightly regarded by all at the club and beyond as a true gentleman and very much as one of the game’s good guys.
When Eddie left Athlone Town AFC in May 2015, due to family and personal reasons, the club put on the record its gratitude for the hard work and commitment he put in during his time at Lissywollen.
Aside from his spell with Athlone AFC Eddie also coached at several League of Ireland clubs including Bray Wanderers, Bohemian FC, UCD and St Patrick’s Athletic.
He was more recently involved with Cabinteely FC.
There have been many tributes paid to Eddie today and no doubt many more will come.
We at Athlone Town AFC very much agree with the many glowing sentiments and the genuine sense of loss expressed about the passing of one of Irish football’s great characters and coaches.
The club would like to offer its deepest condolences to Eddie’s family, colleagues and wide circle of friends’.
