ATHLONE TOWN INSIST that they wanted Roddy Collins to stay on as manager.

The Midlands club said they only publicly advertised the job following a meeting with Collins and when they felt he was not committing to another season.

Collins, who led Athlone to the First Division title and promotion, definitely ruled out his return earlier this week.

The Dubliner had been linked with a move to Sligo Rovers and Derry City as well as with the Cork City job prior to John Caulfield’s appointment.

Collins requested his P45 and letter of severance before the final game of the season, Athlone said in a statement issued this morning.

In light of the fact that Roddy was linked in the media to a number of managerial vacancies same led to our belief that there was an unwillingness or an inability on the part of Roddy to commit to the club,” they said.

Collins and Athlone met on 4 November where “the concerns of the club were outlined to him.”

At all times, it was known by him that he was never to be a candidate as the job was his if he wanted it subject to agreement on a number of matters including player ratios and budget.

Athlone’s appointment committee are due to meet today to review the interested parties with a view to announcing the club’s new manager on Monday.

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