Athlone Town respond to Colin Fortune's accusations following his resignation
Michael Bolton
Athlone Town have responded to comments made by former manager Colin Fortune, as he accused the club's hierarchy of “interference”.
Fortune resigned on Sunday, just four days before Athlone's Europa Cup qualifier against Glasgow City.
The club are also top of the Women's League of Ireland, and face Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup semi-final.
In an interview with the Westmeath Independent, Fortune spoke uncertainty about his own future at the club, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
“I found that strange because we have a men’s first team manager who has a two-year contract and is making plans for next season already, and rightly so."
In response to Fortune’s comments, Athlone issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon claiming that the club had been “presented with an ultimatum for a contract extension” by him “several weeks ago”. When an agreement was not reached, he submitted a resignation letter before Saturday’s game against Shamrock Rovers, one that was accepted after the match.
“The timing and manner of this departure are regrettable, but they stem solely from individual interests being placed ahead of the collective progress of the team and the club,” read the statement.
“That is something we cannot and will not accept at Athlone Town as we look to establish a culture of professionalism befitting the oldest club in the League of Ireland.”
Athlone CEO Steven Gray said that the club was not in a position yet to offer Fortune a new contract because they are “in the middle of a financial audit” and “I don’t know what money we have”.
Gray admitted that it was he who had offered to “help” Fortune after the manager complained that he hadn’t enough staff, but denied that he ever told him what team to pick, nor ever entered the dressing room without Fortune’s approval.
Athlone will take on Glasgow City on Wednesday night in a historic game for Irish football.
Glasgow City feature Irish players Emily Whelan and Erin McLaughlin, with Katie McCabe and Denise O'Sullivan having previously played for the club.
John Sullivan will take charge of Athlone Town for the rest of the season.
The game will be live on LOITV at 7:45 pm.
