Heary and Byrne were reunited by Fenlon in 2008 when the striker joined Bohs after a short spell with Cardiff City. Together they helped the Gypsies to back-to-back league titles as well as winning the FAI Cup, EA Sports Cup and Setanta Sports Cup.
Heary said: “Everyone knows how good a player Jason has been over the years. Along with Glen Crowe, he’s the best striker I’ve ever seen in the league. Thankfully I was lucky enough to play with them both.”
While Byrne turns 36 next month, Heary is adamant that he can still make a big contribution this season. “Jason has that killer instinct up front that we missed last season,” he said. “People talk about age but look at how he did with Bray last year. He scored 17 goals in all competitions, which is a tremendous tally for any striker.
“As long as he’s given good service, he will score. Give Jason two or three chances in a game and he’ll find the net. You don’t lose that instinct. The younger lads will gain so much from him too. His movement, positioning, technique – the lads will be watching and learning from him every day in training.”
Yet it is the prospect of breaking Bradley’s record that really has ‘Jayo’ gunning for glory. Bradley’s haul of 235 goals during spells with Finn Harps, Sligo Rovers and Derry City has stood out in front since 1986, but Byrne is just 28 goals off matching that tally.
Heary said: “I would love him to do it at Bohs. That was the real motivating factor in him coming back. I know he’s a legend at Bray too but I think he would really love to do it at a club like Bohs having had so much success here before. It’s something that is really in his sights now and I really believe he can do it in the next two years.”
Already a legend at Shelbourne, Byrne’s arrival at Dalymount Park in 2008 was initially greeted with a lukewarm response from some. But Byrne went on to build up a great rapport with supporters in his three years at the club, the highlight of which was scoring the goals that clinched the league title away to Drogheda United in his first season.
Heary said: “It’s sometimes difficult for fans and players when someone who’s had so much success with one of your rivals and is so associated with them joins your club. But Jayo quickly silenced any doubters by scoring really important goals that won leagues and cups.
“The crowd quickly grew to like and love him and it was there for all to see in his last game for us that there was a genuine affection between him and the supporters built up during his time here.
“Bohs is close to his heart, he’s delighted to be back and can’t wait to play in front of those fans again. If they get behind him and encourage him like they did before, he can be a real asset to us this season.”
Another League of Ireland goalscoring legend linking up again with Heary this season is Stephen Geoghegan, also a former league-winning Shelbourne team-mate of his. “Geogo will be responsible for our opposition match analysis this season and will also be keeping an eye on and identifying young players and potential targets,” Heary said.
With the first team beginning pre-season training later this month, Heary will also be hoping to complete some important training of his own as he looks to take the next step in his backroom career having hung up his boots and the end of last season.
He added: “I have my interview for the (UEFA coaching) Pro Licence at the end of the month and, all going well, I’ll be able to start the course in February.
“The lads have all been given a fitness programme for the off-season and we’ll assess them when they come back for pre-season on January 18th. We’ve a run-up of six weeks between then and the start of the league season to get everyone really into shape. I’m looking forward to it.”
