“EMBRACE THE OCCASION”

Bohemians manager Keith Long by Simon Alcock

CORK CITY v BOHEMIANS
SSE Airtricity League, Turner’s Cross, Friday March 4 2016, 7.45pm

Bohemians kick off the 2016 season away to Cork City on Friday with manager Keith Long telling his players: “Embrace the occasion.”

A near-capacity crowd is expected at Turner’s Cross for the pick of the opening-day fixtures, which is also being broadcast on RTÉ 2.

Long said: “The players need no motivation going into this. It’s been a long off-season, so we’re really looking forward to it now.

“There will be a big, partisan crowd. But that’s what you want. Players want to play in front of full stadiums, in front of a vocal and intimidating atmosphere.

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“We know it’s going to be a big challenge. It’s up to our players to rise to that and to enjoy the occasion. They need to embrace it and not be afraid to express themselves.”

Having been eclipsed by Dundalk for the league title two years in a row and again in last season’s FAI Cup final, there is expectation on Leeside.

John Caulfield’s side laid down a marker with a 2-0 President’s Cup win against Stephen Kenny’s Lilywhites last Saturday.

Long said: “Cork have been impressive in pre-season and the performance last week against Dundalk will be the barometer for them.

“But we can’t worry too much about Cork, we need to concentrate on our own performance.”

Exceeding expectations with a fifth-placed finish last year, the Gypsies’ form has gathered momentum again in recent weeks.

Having stuttered early in pre-season, Bohs come into this game on the back of two strong results: a 3-0 Leinster Senior Cup win away to Drogheda United and, most recently, a 4-1 friendly victory at home to Athlone Town last Saturday.

Long added: “Pre-season performances were mixed but the most important thing is that players are finding their feet now.”

Among those “finding their feet” are three new additions to the first team, strikers Kurtis Byrne and Mark Quigley, and midfielder Aymen Ben Mohamed, who signed from Dundalk, Derry City and Longford Town respectively.

Long added: “Kurtis has looked sharp. He will be a great addition to the team both in terms of goals and assists.

“Mark brings invaluable experience. As well as having great quality, he has matured and really wants to do well. He has the ability – and the guile and nous – to open up opposition teams.

“Aymen is a very technical player. He’ll have fans on the edge of their seats. They all add to what was already a good group of players who can’t wait to get started.”

Bohs have a full team to squad to select from and bolstering Long’s options is 38-year-old defender/midfielder Dave Mulcahy, who this week re-signed for a fifth season at the club.

Website by Simon Alcock