'We're trying to get there and push on' - Athlone boss Adrian Carberry hopeful of emulating local rivals Longford

Athlone Town boss Adrian Carberry is hopeful that his Athlone side can start to emulate the success that Longford have had competing at the top end of the First Division table.

Athlone have struggled in recent years at the foot of the second tier – finishing rock bottom in three of the previous four seasons.

He has also backed his young players to cut out their mistakes of previous games ahead of their clash against local rivals Longford Town on Saturday evening.

“It’s great to be back, and it’s even better to be back playing - it was hard on us all, but we got through it,” the former Republic of Ireland under-19 women’s coach told extratime.com.

“We’ve made individual mistakes and errors which have cost us goals and it takes a bit of time to get used to.

“We need to start learning from our mistakes, but we have a young side. It comes from experience and hopefully we can learn from that and move on.  

“If we cut out the mistakes against Longford on Saturday and keep working hard, we have a chance and we’ll get better no doubt.”

The 45-year-old Ballinasloe native has been busy in recent weeks, with no more than four new recruits joining the Black and Blue of the midlands.

“The squad is stronger now than it was before the break,” Carberry admits. Taner Dogan, Ciaran Grogan, Mark Birrane and Lee Duffy have all joined the club in the past week.

“It takes a while for players to know what we’re trying to do in the league and trying to get players in has been hard at times.



“Mark Birrane had a great impact when he came in against Galway on Monday and Lee Duffy is now with us after a slight issue when he signed.

“Taner Dogan looks a good signing from Dundalk and has hit the ground running for us. Ciaran Grogan has come back after going away and learning from his mistakes last year and is doing very well.”

While he has been busy recruiting players, the former Athlone Town and Galway United player has seen Ronan Manning begin to excel under his stewardship at Lissywoolen.

Manning – the younger brother of QPR wing-back and Irish under-21 international Ryan – produced a man of the match display on Monday evening away to Galway United.

“In my eyes Ronan Manning is one of the best players in the league,” he added. “He plays in a number ten position and picks up the play in the pockets.

“He is a great player in terms of getting close and turning other players. I don’t know how he exactly does it but he’s a fantastic player and a great lad with so much potential.



“He’s got a bit of work to do, and he knows that. He could be a small bit fitter, but he’s been a good lad to work with.

“I know other clubs may have found him hard to deal with but we’re looking after him and he’s been good for us.

“We tell him how good he is, and it seems to be working for us so far and we’ve had no problems with him so far, he’s a great guy and has got serious potential.

“I think he’s one to watch, and he’s still only 20. He was at Galway and it didn’t work out for him, but we’re delighted with him and to have him – trying to keep him now is the hard thing.”

While the Athlone boss has been encouraged by Manning’s recent performances for the club, he is aware of the challenge that near-neighbours Longford pose to his side on Saturday evening.

Daire Doyle’s promotion hunters head into Saturday’s encounter under the lights following a disappointing two-nil defeat at home to Bray Wanderers.

“Longford are flying, and they’ve got a good squad that’s doing very well. We’re different in the sense that we’re building and at a different stage at this moment in time.

“We’re trying to get to there and push on and it’s coming slowly. We’re getting great backing by the club and are getting there.

“We’re a bit behind Longford on paper but it’s like everything else when it’s a derby game. It’s one you look forward to.

“The games are great to be involved in again – I remember playing in them years ago but it’s great to be back involved in some way.

“I scored against Longford in a FAI Cup quarter-final replay in extra-time on St Patrick’s Day [back in 1998].

“They have a great set-up and are another club who are trying hard to get up. We’re trying to follow suit so we’re heading as underdogs, but we don’t mind that.

“That takes pressure off us and hopefully we can go give a good account of ourselves.”

    About Andrew Dempsey

    View Full Profile