Michael O'Connor has been announced as the new manager of Athlone Town FC.
O’Connor previously managed the club in the 1990s and led midlanders out of the First Division in the 1993/94 season as runners up to champions Sligo Rovers.
Speaking following his appointment, he said: "I'm absolutely delighted. Athlone are my home-town club. A chance like this would normally only come to someone once but it's come to me twice."
"We need to try and stabilise Athlone Town. The club are in the same frame of mind that I am, that we need to try and plan for the future. There isn't a short-term fix." he added.
Club Chairman Ken Bryan said: "We're delighted obviously that Michael O'Connor has taken up the position of first team manager, on a long-term contract."
"We have a lot of hard work to do, and it won't be done in one season. We feel that giving a long-term contract will give the club and the team some much needed stability and a sense of continuity that will help in getting that work done."
Additionally, work is progressing at the club's new stadium on the outskirts of the town and is hoped that the new facility could be open for business as early as next June or July.
