But the former St Pats manager insists that the latest signing will not be the last as he attempts to drag Athlone back into the Premier Division.

‘‘Premier football is our goal and if we want to achieve that we will have to keep up with our rivals,’’ insisted Buckley.

‘‘Dublin City have assembled a very good squad while we have lost two of our key players in Greg Costello and Stuart Connolly. By brining in Glen and Brian I have replaced the players that have left so I will now be on the look-out for players to improve the squad.’’

Athlone narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier Division last term and Buckley is confident that the midlanders are good enough to challenge again this season.

‘‘There is very little between the top teams in the first division. I would expect Cobh Ramblers, Finn Harps and Waterford to all have a say in the league this year,’’ he said.

‘‘Dublin City have an excellent squad on paper and if they manage to click then they will be very difficult to beat.’’

Buckley turned down a coaching offer with UCD at the beginning of the summer and admits he is happy to remain at St Mel’s Park.

‘‘Athlone are a very progressive club and have big ambitions,’’ he said.

‘‘The plans for a new stadium are very impressive and they are very supportive of me. Taking the job with UCD would have been a handy way back into the premier division, but I am happy here.’’