Paul Doolin: 'I tell the truth, which isn’t always great for your career, but I won’t be saving myself'

Doolin’s first priority is to shore up Athlone Town’s leaky defence, an area he was renowned for during his spells at UCD, Drogheda United, and Cork City

Despite his long five-year hiatus from the dugout, Paul Doolin insists he’s not “coming from the couch” due to his role helping former teammate Bobby Browne at Swords Celtic. Picture: Diarmuid Greene / SPORTSFILE

Paul Doolin insists he’ll walk away from Athlone Town if he can’t improve the First Division’s side fortunes on his managerial return.

His arrival as head coach ahead of tonight’s visit of Galway United bridges a 12-year gap on his last involvement in the league, and five years since he quit as Ireland U19 boss.