McEleney and Davies leave Athletic

New manager Frankie Bunn gets stuck into Athletic's first training session of pre-season. Picture courtesy of Juel Miah

As Athletic’s players reported back for pre-season training over the weekend, they were three light from the squad as two have left Boundary Park permanently and one has departed on loan.

Patrick McEleney has left Athletic and rejoined League of Ireland side Dundalk for an undisclosed fee.

The attacking midfielder made nine appearances for Athletic and scored one goal.

That came in a 2-0 win over Scunthorpe United in March, 2018.

Meanwhile, striker Craig Davies has left Athletic for a second time.

He has joined fellow Sky Bet League Two side Mansfield Town for an undisclosed fee.

The well-travelled front-man, aged 32, scored 14 goals for Athletic last season in 44 appearances.

Athletic striker Courtney Duffus has rejoined League Of Ireland side Waterford FC on loan until November 4.

The 22-year-old scored 10 goals for Waterford in his first spell and he will rejoin them until the end of the Irish season later this year.