PREVIEW: DROGHEDA UTD v BOHEMIANS
July 15, 2022
Having bonded in Berlin, Bohemians’ new boys hope they can lift the team up the table.
Striker Ethon Varian is the latest July arrival to Dalymount Park and signed in time to travel with the squad for Saturday’s friendly away to Union Berlin.
Varian (Stoke City) is the fifth signing of this transfer window following the additions of Ryan Burke (Mansfield Town), Josh Kerr (Airdrieonians), Declan McDaid (Dundee) and John O’Sullivan (Accrington Stanley).
There have been some departures too with Dawson Devoy (MK Dons), James Finnerty (Galway United, loan) and Stephen Mallon (Cliftonville) moving on.
And the loan deals of Ryan Cassidy (Watford), JJ McKiernan (Watford) and Sam Packham (Brighton) expired, while Grant Horton (Cheltenham) was recalled.
Kerr, from the start, and Burke, McDaid and O’Sullivan as second-half substitutes, made their first-team debuts in last Thursday’s 3-1 win away to UCD, and all five new recruits got game-time in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat away to Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin.
Forward Varian started at Stadion An der Alten Försterei, and will be hoping he has an opportunity to make a difference at Head In The Game Park this evening for what is a new-look Bohs squad.
The Ireland U21 international said: “I’m delighted to have signed for Bohs. The lads have been very welcoming.
“It was a great experience playing against Union Berlin and it was great to see such a brilliant travelling support behind us.
“But our focus now is on Drogheda United. We are looking forward to it and we want to get the job done and get three points.”
The Corkman, 20, is looking to push on with Bohs this season having enjoyed a season-long loan spell with Raith Rovers from Stoke last season.
He added: “I’m really looking forward to it. I had a good experience last year going out on loan for the year and getting a lot of games in a first-team environment at Raith Rovers from Stoke City.
“Now I’m hoping to bring some experience to this team and I’m looking to kick on.
“The facilities at DCU are great and the standards at training have been very good.
“There is good competition here and when there is good competition it should improve every player as footballers and as individuals.”
TEAM NEWS
James Talbot (shoulder) remains out, while Ali Coote (illness) is a doubt.
Striker Ethon Varian comes into contention for a competitive fixture for the first time having played in a Saturday’s 2-1 friendly defeat away to Union Berlin following his arrival from Stoke City.
Dawson Devoy (MK Dons) and Grant Horton (recalled from loan by Cheltenham) have left the club.
