Craig Sexton believes the combination of tangible aspirations, trusting coaches, first-class training facilities and a high-performance atmosphere provides young players the perfect platform to develop and flourish at Bohemians.
While all eyes are on the first team reaching the FAI Cup final for the first 13 years, Bohemians are competing for silverware at underage level too.
Sexton was speaking as his Bohs U19 side travelled to the Brandywell ahead of this evening’s Enda McGuill Cup final against Derry City.
In July, both Sexton and Seán L’Estrange returned to the Bohemians U19 coaching set-up where they previously won the SSE Airtricity U19 League twice, won the Enda McGuill Cup, and competed in the UEFA Youth League in successive seasons.
They were joined in the set-up by 2009 Bohemians league-winning midfielder Paul Keegan and former Bohs goalkeeper Shane Supple.
There is familiar opposition at Dalymount Park tonight as Bohemians host Waterford in the SSE Airtricity League just three days after doing so in the Extra.ie FAI Cup semi-final.
There was a lot riding on that game with a place November 28th Aviva Stadium decider up for grabs.
Georgie Kelly’s late, late effort after a terrific ball in by Promise Omochere settled that in Bohs’ favour but there is a lot riding on tonight’s game too, and the Gypsies will be hoping the Jodi Stand is in full voice once more.
For the hosts, it is a chance – after Sligo Rovers drew with Finn Harps and Derry City lost to Drogheda United – to move up to fourth with a win as Keith Long’s side aim to qualify for Europe through the league.
For the visitors, it is a chance to leapfrog Harps and move out of the relegation play-off position once more.
So while Bohs fans are still basking in the joys of Friday’s semi-final victory, Long’s men are fully focused on the task at hand.
Friday’s game was a tense and energy-sapping one, so Long is likely to have his hand forced when it comes to assessing tired bodies and who is fit to play this evening.
He said: “We have some injury concerns ahead of the game but we will give the lads every chance to be fit with so little time for recovery .
“All our efforts and focus is on finishing the season as strongly as we can and finishing as high up the table as possible.
“Every game is tough in this division and especially at this time of the year when results can be unpredictable.
“We are in the middle of another tough period of games and we will need everyone fit and ready.
“We’ve six games left and have to give everything to make sure we’re fighting for Europe through the league. We’re very much in the hunt.
“We have to get back into Europe and we are going to try to do it through the league. It would be nice to secure at least fourth going into the cup final.”
While his attention is now on those remaining six league games, speaking directly after Friday’s game, Long did allow himself to enjoy the achievement of the club reaching its first FAI Cup final in 13 years.
He said: “The win was more for the supporters than anyone. They’re craving a day out and we’ve given them something to look forward to.
“It is a big step for some of the young players we’ve got in this group too.
“The club is built for success now because we’ve built sustainably for the last few years.
“We haven’t been frivolous because we can’t as we’re a members’ club. I think everybody can see the direction the club has been going.”
TEAM NEWS
Fatigue after the short turnaround could lead to enforced changes to the starting XI.
Stephen Mallon (hip) remains ruled out, while Bohs-SKB and Ireland U17 midfielder James McManus has been promoted to the first-team squad for this game.
Extra.ie FAI Cup semi-final Friday October 22 2021 Dalymount Park, 7.45pm Live on RTÉ 2
Bohemians host Waterford in the last four of the Extra.ie FAI Cup tomorrow and Keith Long’s message to supporters is: Come to the ground early and get behind the team.
Nothing beats a full Jodi Stand behind the team under the Friday night lights at Dalymount Park and, tomorrow, for the first time in 599 days, we finally get to experience that once more.
That absence of 17 months means that, for some of our players, it will be the first time they have ever experienced a full house at Dalyer.
Long said: “It is great to have full capacity back in Dalymount. We are really looking forward to the atmosphere and noise that that will create, the atmosphere and vibrancy that the full capacity will bring.
“Dalymount is a special place and we want to create a special night. The supporters are key to that.
“A jam-packed Dalymount in full voice for an FAI Cup semi-final, where else would the players want to be after two years of hardship where everybody in the country has suffered in one way or another?
“Hopefully there is light at the end of this tunnel. It has been a long journey to this point but we are so excited to have those supporters back. Hopefully we can get them excited about coming to watch their team play.
“There is no doubt that players feed off the energy the fans give. You only have to look at those European games in the Aviva Stadium, the second round of the FAI Cup against Shamrock Rovers at Dalymount when there was a crowd of 800 in attendance – it felt like there were 3,000 or 4,000.
“Similarly in the Aviva Stadium where we experienced crowds of 6,000 and 8,000 but in the ground they generated much more noise than those numbers would suggest.
“We have got an amazing fanbase. We have supporters who really, really back their team. It is our responsibility to give them something to get excited about.”
A return trip to the Aviva Stadium is the prize on offer if Bohs can get past Waterford.
Having not played at Lansdowne Road since the 1992 FAI Cup final, the Gypsies had three memorable outings in the summer with UEFA Conference League wins over Stjarnan, Dudelange and PAOK.
But making it a fourth trip to the Dublin 4 venue will be no mean feat – Waterford have become a difficult prospect since the arrival of Marc Bircham as manager in mid-May.
Long said: “The players are really looking forward to the challenge. We have very difficult opponents who are in good form.
“Waterford are flying at the moment. They are unbeaten in the last four games and they beat Finn Harps 4-1 on Friday, so they come to Dalymount with great confidence.
“They are a well organised side, they have some very good players. Since Marc came in, you can see a clear distinction between what Waterford were previously to what they are now.
“You can see from their recruitment, the players they have and how well organised they are that they are a credit to him.
“We are under no illusions about the task that we face. But we look forward to that challenge. We have done our homework like we would any other team and we can’t wait for the game.
“It is really important that we channel all our energy into putting in a performance. We have to concentrate on what we are about.
“We want to give a good account of ourselves and we want to progress. We know the supporters would absolutely love for that to happen and, for this group, it is another opportunity for them to grow.”
TEAM NEWS
Bohemians are hopeful that James Talbot (groin), James Finnerty (groin), Ross Tierney (foot) and Georgie Kelly (groin) will be available once more but they are likely to be assessed again before the game. Stephen Mallon (hip) remains out.
Bohemian FC was disappointed not to receive any ticket allocation from Shamrock Rovers for last night’s Dublin derby at Tallaght Stadium.
Since restrictions eased to permit 50% capacity at outdoor sporting events, Bohemians have given every club we have hosted – Maynooth University Town, Finn Harps, Derry City and Dundalk – the allocation they have requested up to and including 50% of the Des Kelly Stand.
Similarly, now that 100% capacity returns this week, Waterford, Friday’s opposition in the Extra.ie FAI Cup semi-final, have been allocated the Des Kelly Stand in its entirety.
Before permitted capacity went up to 50%, all clubs’ priorities were, of course, their own fans, in particular members and season ticket holders who remained loyal despite not knowing whether they would be able to attend a game this season.
But Monday was the first Bohemians game – either home or away – that there were no away fans in attendance since the 50% permitted capacity was introduced, despite the Tallaght Stadium being able to hold more spectators than any other ground in the league.
As a result of this decision, Bohemian FC can confirm that we do not intend to give Shamrock Rovers a ticket allocation when the sides meet at Dalymount Park in November.
SHAMROCK ROVERS v BOHEMIANS SSE Airtricity League Monday October 18 2021 Talllaght Stadium, 7.15pm Exclusively live on RTÉ 2
Keith Long believes Bohemians have shown they have the resilience required to have a strong finish to the season.
With games coming thick and fast once more, Bohs travel to Tallaght Stadium to face Shamrock Rovers in the league this evening at the unusual kick-off time of 7.15pm before hosting Waterford in the FAI Cup semi-final on Friday.
They come into this evening’s game buoyed by Georgie Kelly’s injury-time equaliser against in-form Dundalk on Friday.
Long said: “These are great games to be involved in.
“It was important for us that we didn’t lose on Friday. That gives the boys a little bit of confidence again going into this run of games.
“I am pleased we got something from the game when it didn’t look like we would at 90 minutes.
“But we dominated possession for large periods, we kept going. We had the best chances in the game. In another game, we take two or three of those.
“Dundalk are a team in good form again now, with good players, so I am pleased with how we reacted. It shows we have resilience in the team and that we can bounce back from set-backs.
“We can turn around results – we have shown that in games against Derry City and Longford Town.”
Thanks to a mix of suspension and injuries, Long was forced into making changes to his starting XI against Dundalk and made five substitutions during the game as he looks to keep players as fresh as possible during a hectic schedule.
Thankfully, Ciarán Kelly (knee), Keith Buckley (groin) and Ali Coote (illness) are considered fully fit having only been available for the bench on Friday, while Rory Feely returns from suspension.
But James Finnerty (groin) and Stephen Mallon (hip) remain out.
Long said: “We had to make changes against Dundalk.
“Ciarán Kelly took a knock in training and we were just about able to patch him up to put him on the bench in case we needed him.
“It meant that with Rory Feely suspended and James Finnerty injured, we had to play Anto Breslin – a full-back – at centre half.
“Ali Coote was sick for 10 days, not with Covid, but he had only trained the last two sessions, so we had to use our squad for a number of reasons.
“There is a quick turnaround after playing on Friday now too. We are going to have to rely on our squad again and the powers of recovery.
“We have a big game tonight and a big game on Friday. In reality they are all big games between now and the end of the season.”
SSE Airtricity League Friday October 15 2021 Dalymount Park, 7.45pm Exclusively live on LOITV Audio described commentary: access4all.bohemians.ie
Keith Long hopes the expected increase in capacity at games can help Bohemians climb the table between now and the end of the season.
A good atmosphere is expected at Dalymount Park tonight when up to 400 Dundalk fans are expected to make the trip down from Louth.
It will be the biggest away support in Dalymount for a league game since March 2020 but Long is concentrating on putting on a performance for Bohs fans, who have made their voices heard over the course of the easing of restrictions and return of supporters to games.
Long said: “Greater numbers attending games means we will have unbelievable backing both home and away.
“We will be fighting hard to finish the season as strongly as we possibly can.”
Bohemians have beaten the Lilywhites twice this season, including an impressive 5-1 win when the sides met at Dalyer in May.
But Dundalk have been in resurgent form of late and got the better of Long’s men at Oriel Park at the end of last month, as well as beating league leaders Shamrock Rovers last week.
Long is expecting another tough battle, but after no game in a fortnight due to Andy Lyons, Dawson Devoy and Ross Tierney being away with the Ireland U21s, his side come into the game refreshed, braced for another busy fixture schedule, and looking to build on their 4-1 victory away to Longford Town.
Long added: “It is important that we are focused on putting in a top class team performance.
“The lads have worked hard on the training ground since the Longford game, and we are looking forward to the run-in.”
TEAM NEWS
Bohemians are without Rory Feely (suspended), James Finnerty (groin) and Stephen Mallon (hip).
We are pleased to confirm that next Monday’s Dublin derby between Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians will be shown live on a big screen on the pitch at Dalymount Park.
With a permitted capacity of 500 in the Jodi Stand, tickets cost €5 and will sell quickly on a first come, first serve basis, so get yours as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be purchased at tickets.bohemians.ie.
Shamrock Rovers informed us earlier this week that the only way they would consider providing us with any ticket allocation for the game is if their home allocation does not sell out.
We regret that decision, but it is one that is out of our hands.
We want as many Bohs supporters to be able to view the game together as possible, so we have taken the decision to screen it on the pitch in Dalymount, where the bars will be serving.
Gates open at 5pm, and please note that kick-off is at the earlier time of 7.15pm.
Meanwhile, please note that we have taken down the special rate tickets for members and season ticket holders for the upcoming FAI Cup semi-final against Waterford due to the link being used by non-members and season ticket holders.
If you missed out on purchasing member/season ticket holder rate tickets, please contact tickets@bohemians.ie.
Please note that we are currently in the process of identifying non-members and non-season ticket holders who purchased tickets using that link, and they will have their tickets voided and refunded.
Full price general sale tickets for the semi-final will go on sale next week.
SSE Airtricity League Saturday, October 2, 2021 Bishopsgate, 7.30pm Exclusively live on LOITV
Bohemians manager Keith Long hopes his side can get back on track when they travel to take on Longford Town tonight.
The Gypsies are coming off back-to-back 2-1 defeats to Finn Harps and Dundalk and are now facing their seventh match in 22 days.
Bohs are seven points off third-placed Sligo Rovers but have a game in hand as they look to keep their European qualification hopes alive in the Midlands.
Longford sit bottom of the table but are aiming to make it back-to-back home wins after beating Dundalk a fortnight ago.
Bohs won 2-0 on their last visit to Bishopsgate back in May thanks to goals from Scots Liam Burt and Ali Coote.
But both games between the sides at Dalymount Park ended in a draw so Long knows all about the threat Daire Doyle’s men pose.
The Bohs boss said: “I’m looking forward to the game. The lads have had a couple of days off to refresh and to get ready for Longford.
“We are looking to bounce back after a couple of disappointing results and even though we have a number of players struggling with injuries, we hope that whatever team is selected can produce the performance required to get the right result.”
TEAM NEWS
Skipper Keith Buckley (groin) misses out. James Finnerty (groin) and Andy Lyons (ankle) are doubts. Keith Ward (ankle) is expected to be available.
Stephen Mallon (hip) and Promise Omochere (hamstring) will have late fitness tests to see if they can be involved in some capacity.
BOHEMIANS v FINN HARPS SSE Airtricity League Friday September 24 2021 Dalymount Park, 7.45pm Exclusively live on LOITV
It is just 11 days since Bohemians beat tonight’s opposition but manager Keith Long will know his side will have to give everything to match that result.
Goals from Promise Omochere and Georgie Kelly were enough to give the Gypsies a 2-1 win on that occasion but Bohs teams have come unstuck against Ollie Horgan’s side on enough occasions to know what they are capable of.
While Bohs also beat Harps 4-0 in Dalymount earlier this season, they lost their previous two games on their final home game of 2020 and first away game of 2021.
Long said: “It is a short turnaround since our last meeting and we know how hard we will have to work and we know the performance required in order to achieve the desired outcome.
“This Finn harps team has quality throughout their ranks and strength in depth across the squad.”
Long’s side come into tonight’s game on the back of a rollercoaster 3-3 draw against Derry City on Monday.
While it took a 95th minute equalising goal from that man Georgie Kelly to claim a point having fallen behind three minutes previously, Bohs will still feel they left points behind them.
Having created many chances themselves, they left themselves far too exposed at times and were punished by a ruthless Candystripes attack line.
Long said: “It was an entertaining and high-scoring game but when I say entertaining, I mean for the neutral, as the game was very open and the goals we conceded were very much preventable.
“Offensively, we were very good and created many chances in the game with nine shots on target but the flipside of that is that Derry also created chances, and that is something that we will be keen to address.
“As disappointed as we were with some of our defending, the players stuck at it and never gave up – twice coming from behind and we salvaged a point at the death with a wonderfully taken goal by Georgie.”
Long is full of praise for the 24-year-old, who has really found his groove at Dalymount Park following his arrival from Dundalk at the start of the season after a mixed season on loan at St Patrick’s Athletic last year.
The man from Inishowen, who faces his home county team this evening, has helped himself to 16 league goals this term, the best return of any Bohs player since Jason Byrne’s haul of 22 in 2009.
Long said: “Georgie has been exceptional for us this season.
“He is a touch of class around the place and his gentle manner and nature is infectious.
“He is loved by us all here and we are delighted to see him play with such confidence, belief and quality.”
With games coming thick and fast, Long has urged the renewed vocal support behind the team to once again help them get results over the line.
He added: “As we enter the final straight, there will be many twists and turns. The support has been immense and we are so grateful for that.
“We will need that support and the Dalymount roar against Finn Harps and for the rest of our campaign.
“We want to represent our supporters as best we can on the pitch and we will be doing everything in our control to finish the season strongly.”
TEAM NEWS
Ali Coote (hamstring), Promise Omochere (hamstring) and Stephen Mallon (hip) are set to sit this one out.
SSE Airtricity League Monday September 20 2021 Dalymount Park, 7.45pm Exclusively live on LOITV
Bohemians assistant manager Trevor Croly has urged Bohemians to turn their games in hand into wins as they aim to break into the top three to secure European football for 2022.
The Gypsies are currently in fifth on 37 points with 24 games played.
They are eight points off third-placed Sligo Rovers who have 45 points from 27 games.
In between the two sides is tonight’s opposition, Derry City, who have 38 points from 26 games.
It makes for an intriguing clash at Dalymount Park tonight with both sides gunning to close the gap on the Bit O’Red.
It also sees the return of all members and season ticket holders to Dalyer for the first time in 564 days.
Croly said: “It’s a huge game.
“We have games in hand but you have got to go and win them and this is a big one.
“Our games against Derry have been tight this season and last. Ruaidhri Higgins has gone in and he has done a good job, so we know it is going to be tough again.”
There is a hectic fixture schedule between now and the end of the season as a result of postponements from international call-ups and clashes with European games.
But there was a brief reprieve on Friday as the favourable half-time 3-0 scoreline allowed manager Keith Long the opportunity to substitute key men Keith Buckley, Andy Lyons and Dawson Devoy.
Bohs had taken advantage of the visitors going down to ten men – the ex-Bohs U19 captain Alex Kelly saw red for a late challenge on his former team-mate Devoy – with Conor Levingston and Keith Ward adding to Buckley’s opener to put the game beyond doubt at the break.
The Gypsies went on to add a fourth, with Roland Idowu bagging a goal on his debut off the bench.
Croly added: “It was great to win on Friday and great to get four goals. It was important that we were focused and ready to go.
“It was a shame that the sending-off somewhat killed the game.
“But it was great for Roland to score on his debut, and to have the young lads in the team – Jamie Mullins and Aaron Doran from the start, and Robbie Mahon from the bench.
“It’s difficult trying to recover having played on Friday night but the good thing was we were able to make a few changes at half-time being 3-0 up and with Maynooth being down to 10.
“We were able to get some bodies off and manage minutes, spread minutes out a little bit, which normally you can’t do.”
TEAM NEWS
Georgie Kelly returns from suspension. Ali Coote (hamstring) and Liam Burt (groin) are doubts.
Promise Omochere, a late withdrawal from the starting XI on Friday with a hamstring strain, is ruled out alongside Stephen Mallon (hip).
