'To be honest, i hadn't heard of Sam before Monday' said Athlone Town chairman Ken Bryan. 'But we didn't have any ideas and Sam applied so I thought, why not!'

Dont ask. I dont know. One minute im sitting around, waiting for a niggling injury to go away so i can start playing again, the next I hear about an open challenge for a manager from a friend who frankly spends far too much time on the internet, and all of a sudden im managing a semi-pro team from a small town in Ireland. I've never even been to Ireland!



Athlone Town F.C Website

'New manager Sam Draisey, an Aston Villa fan, had reportedly offered a contract to Villa legend Peter Withe, linking him with the vacant Assistant managers role. This has been confirmed, but Peter has decided to take up a role at Preston instead.'

'Draisey is said to be looking to bring in a high profile assistant to 'show him the ropes' as he looks to improve the fortunes of our club'

'The position has now been linked with former Newcastle United and West Ham manager Glenn Roeder.'