Russo leaves Athlone to join Longford Town

PULLOUGH native Carmine Russo has joined a growing band of players to have left Athlone Town for League of Ireland rivals Longford Town in recent weeks. The 21-year-old Offaly man signed for new Longford boss Alan Gough last week, following in the footsteps of two of his team-mates for Athlone last season - Colm Jinks and Jason McCartney. Midfielder Russo had been with Athlone Town since the age of 17 and broke into the first-team over the last couple of years. Speaking about his decision to join Longford, Russo said: 'I had a few offers since the end of last season and was very much in the dark regarding what was going on with Athlone. I looked at Longford"s offer and felt it was best for me. They have signed some good players while the situation at Athlone is very much up in the air. I don"t think staying with Athlone will do me any good, to be honest. It"s a personal decision and I need to look after myself and be as ambitious as I can. I feel I need a change and Longford will provide that.' Athlone are currently in the midst of trying to raise enough funds to pay off outstanding debts of over €300,000.