The now former Town manager speaks out for the first time since stepping down from the club.
Tommy Hewitt is bidding a sad farewell to Athlone Town but is keeping tight-lipped about his reasons for leaving the club.
The now former manager believes the playing group he's leaving behind can improve on their first half of the season which sees the midlanders in seventh in the Women's Premier Division and in need of wins in their Avenir All Island Cup campaign.
Hewitt's fortunes at the club peaked at the end of last season and the start of this one, with a run to the FAI Cup final, a second place finish in the Premier Division, and victory in the inaugural President's Cup.
Town had never before competed in a women's national cup final.
They were beaten on the day by Shelbourne who won the double at Athlone's expense.
Hewitt saw his side bounce back to then beat the Dublin side in the President's Cup.
Speaking to David Hollywood, he says it hurts to leave:
This evening, Athlone Town are in League of Ireland First Division action.
Dario Castelo's side are looking to continue their good run of form.
Victory over Treaty United in Lissywollen would be a fourth in a row.
Leaders Galway United host Longford Town, Waterford go to Cobh Ramblers, Bray Wanderers face Kerry and Finn Harps play Wexford.
All of the top flight games kick off at 7.45.
Hewitt's former charges are back in action on Saturday.
The second of their Avenir All Island Cup games is on the road against Galway United at 5pm.
Our coverage of Athlone Town is with thanks to Total Tile Centre Mullingar - Small in size, big on selection, call to our showroom to view over 300 tiles on display or check out totaltiles.ie
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