After a 1-1 draw with Dundalk, Sam Draisey's Athlone Town finished their first season in charge in 5th place in the eircom first division.



After a flourish of free transfer signings, Draisey's young side have over achieved compared to their media predictions. Sam has put most of the credit down to his young strike partners, Paul McTiernan who scored 20 goals this year and won young player of the year, and Noel McGee, who scored 14 and came runner up to Paul in the young player of the year running. Draisey has stated that his team still needs 'major alterations' as he looks to make his mark on the side after inheriting his current squad from the previous manager.

So, the first year is over. It went ok i think. There are a lot of 'senior' players here that wont find a place in my team next year. I want to try and bring in some younger players to start in the first team, and start to make proper use of the under 21 side. Im not intending to be here forever, but im not one of these managers that is only looking to the next job. I want to deserve a job at a higher level by acheiving at Athlone. Bring on the winter break!