This season we’re delighted to be sponsoring one of Athlone Town’s talented young strikers, Ryan Gaffey, and we caught up with him prior to their opening game of the season away to Galway United.
It’s a big year for Athlone following all the troubles last season. The foreign investors have moved on, a new manager is in place, and the midlands club will be fielding a fully amateur side. The new man at the helm is Aaron Callaghan, himself a former manager at the club, and he feels that he has some unfinished business there.
Gaffey told us he’s looking forward to the opening game, “Yeah to be honest I think this season will be massive for Athlone, especially after last season the only way is up for us. We can’t wait to going and hopefully get a result against Galway and push on from there after that.”
“Aaron has brought in players over the last few weeks and the lads he brought in have proved to be good enough. There is a good bond between everyone in the dressing room and in training, and we’re looking forward to the season ahead now.”
How does he feel about the season overall, “To be honest I have a good feeling about the season ahead. Everything this year so far has been positive, both on and off the pitch. I’m hoping to impress this year and start the season good, then hopefully get a few wins so that everyone can get behind the team for the rest of the year.”
The youngster began his senior career in some style, playing against some very impressive players. He takes up the story, “the first proper bit of experience I had was when I made my first senior appearance at 17, playing against Querns Park Rangers, it was massive for me. It was a pre-season friendly, an playing against the likes of Joey Barton, Bobby Zamora and Charlie Austin was obviously a great thing. The season after that I played with Athlone Town’s U-19s for a few months, then I broke into the first team and have been there ever since, trying to impress each season. This year will be my 3rd season at senior level and I hope I can help the team get back to winning ways.”
He’s been impressed with new manager Aaron Callaghan, “Yes definitely, Arron is very professional in what he does and everything in pre-season has been excellent, both in terms of training sessions, organisation and everything off the pitch. The back-room staff and players cannot wait to get going this season.”
Athlone face Galway United this evening at Eamon Deacy Park with a kick-off time of 7.45.
Photo Credit: Athlone Town FC
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