Liam Buckley has refuted reports that he is set to join UCD in a coaching capacity at the end of the season. The Athlone Town manager was spotted at two recent UCD games, fuelling speculation that he would take the currently vacant post. UCD boss Martin Moran is looking for a coach, so he can concentrate on his management role.
Buckley denied that he would be joining up with Moran, saying that the speculation arose from his presence at two recent UCD matches. He insisted he was attending those games to study his side's possible opponents in the promotion-relegation play-off. If Athlone Town win their final match, against Waterford United, they are, at least, guaranteed the play-off spot.
Buckley said: "It truly is speculation. In one of the papers last week, it was reported that Damien Richardson would be moving upstairs and there were some names linked with the Rovers position. I think my name was mentioned in that. When the Cork job came up last year, my name was mentioned with that, so I wouldn't believed everything I read. My commitment is with Athlone and we're going to try our best to get something out of the season."
The highly rated manager signed a one-year deal with the Midlands-side at the beginning of last season which is up for review this summer. Buckley added: "I spoke to the Athlone board about six or eight weeks ago, in relation to next season, and obviously, with the potential of us being promoted, I said I'd discuss it at the end of the season."
Buckley said that he would not be interested in a coaching position as he enjoys the challenge of the combined role of management and coaching. "For the last two or three years, I've been a manager, so that's where I see my end of it," he said. (PA)
Filed by Greg McKevitt
