Big Mac Back on Athlone Town’s Menu

Athlone Town completed the signing of former player Brian McCarthy following last Thursday night’s training session and he made his debut in Saturday’s 1-1 draw away to Drogheda United in a friendly. The towering centre half returns after two seasons away with Dublin based side Bohemians. Whilst under contract at the Premier League Champions, the Cork native had loan stints with Cobh Ramblers and midland rivals Longford Town after never really breaking into Pat Fenlon’s first team plans.

McCarthy has been linked to a move back to Athlone ever since his first loan switch away from Dalymount Park and the left footed stopper revealed his delight at returning to the club where his career began.

“Well I’m delighted to be back to be honest. I was down training with Galway for the last few weeks but in the meantime Brendan was onto me. The more I thought about things, the more I realised that it was the best option to come back and play and further my career with Athlone Town” said the defender, who was recently on trial at Atletico Madrid.

“Brendan was a massive factor in me coming back. Obviously Brendan works a lot on tactics and shape which can only benefit me so I’m really happy with it. Hopefully I’ll be given a chance to play the whole season at centre back because that’s obviously my preferred position but if the gaffer wants me to play somewhere else to help the team then I have no problem with that. Obviously we have to improve on the position of last year but we have a good squad and not just a good 1st eleven this year so I’d be confident that we can surprise a few people and finish high up the table this year.” revealed McCarthy.

Looking back over the past two years, McCarthy told of his belief that he is returning to Athlone a better player than the one that left.

“Yea I had a great time at Bohs for two years. I learned so much up there from the coaches and training with the likes of Crowey and Owen Heary everyday. I have to say that I had a great time with Longford too. Obviously they’re Athlone’s biggest rivals but I have to say that they’re a good club with good supporters and I really enjoyed my time there. I think I’ve come back to Athlone a better player and I’m really looking forward to being apart of this club again.”