'I am not just another disconnected, non-Irish owner': Nick Giannotti completes Athlone town takeover

 Athlone Town manager Ian Ryan during the SSE Airtricity Men's First Division match between Athlone Town and Kerry. Pic: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile

New Athlone Town owner Nick Giannotti has vowed to "drive excellence" at the club currently rooted to the bottom of the League of Ireland First Division table. 

San Diego native Giannotti - through his company Redball Energy, who also hold shares in English outfit Plymouth Argyle - has taken the reins at Athlone and ensured fans that he is "not just another disconnected, non-Irish owner".