Bohemians are delighted to confirm the signing of Roland Idowu from Cardiff City, subject to international clearance.

A creative attacking midfielder, who can also play on the wing, played youth football with St Kevin’s Boys and St Joseph’s before joining Southampton’s Academy.

The 19-year-old has represented Ireland at U16, U17 and U18 level.

Welcoming Roland to Dalymount Park, manager Keith Long said: “I am delighted to capture the signature of Roland.

“He is a talented player with a good pedigree and will be a very good addition to our squad.

“We are very much looking forward to working with Roland, and are excited about the potential he can bring to the team.

“At 19 years of age, he is a very level-headed young lad, who is very keen to play for the club and showcase his talents.”

To all members and season ticket holders attending today’s game, we ask you to read and heed the below Dalymount Park Covid-19 regulations.

Club staff and volunteers have worked hard to get the capacity for this game increased to 800.

We are relying on the cooperation of you, as a member or season ticket holder, to adhere to the fairly basic Covid-19 regulations still in place so that capacity figure remains our baseline for future fixtures and can hopefully be increased in the not too distant future.

That is imperative. We are not responsible for how crowds conduct themselves at other sporting fixtures but we are answerable to the FAI, Dublin City Council and other local authorities.

We therefore all have a collective responsibility as members and season ticket holders that how we conduct ourselves does not jeopardise any potential further increasing of permitted capacity in Dalymount Park or further easing of other Covid-19 restrictions.

This is our biggest domestic game of the season and our biggest crowd at Dalymount Park in 18 months.

All eyes are on us as a club, and you as a supporter, to ensure that the game passes off without incident so that we can all reap the benefit of future easing of restrictions, so please read and heed the key points below.

Bohemian FC Volunteer Board of Management

KEY POINTS

• Turnstiles open at 3pm. Please arrive in good time to ensure you are in the ground for kick-off and to avoid congestion in Dalymount Lane.
• Please note that due to access restrictions, that the refreshments shop is closed for this fixture and that there will be no food or drinks on sale.
• Please wear your face coverings at ALL TIMES, except when eating or drinking, unless you are under 13 or are unable to wear them because of a physical or mental illness or disability.
• Please observe respiratory etiquette – always cover your mouth if you need to cough or sneeze.
• Observe social-distancing at ALL TIMES. Only sit in yellow-stickered seats. You can only sit in singles and pairs (as laid out by stickered seats). Do not congregate in groups.
• Due to social-distancing, it is simply not possible that everyone can be accommodated in the area of the ground you are used to. There is no wriggle room here, so please sit in the area of the stand as directed by club volunteers and stewards.
• Refrain from hugging, high fives, or any close contact with people who are not within your social bubble.
• Respect volunteers, staff, Gardai and other spectators. Verbal abuse will not be tolerated.

Failure to follow the above fairly basic asks may lead to a denial of entry, or expulsion from the grounds.

Thank you for your support and cooperation, and enjoy the game.

BOHEMIANS v SHAMROCK ROVERS
Extra.ie FAI Cup Second Round
Sunday August 29 2021
Dalymount Park, 4pm
Live on LOITV.ie

Keith Long has urged his young side to play to their big-game capacity once more when Shamrock Rovers provide the opposition at Dalymount Park in the FAI Cup.

With the permitted attendance belatedly increased to 800 for this game, it will be the most bums on seats in Dalyer since a crowd of 3,560 saw Bohs beat Shelbourne 2-0 in March 2020.

Bohs players have recently drawn on the vocal backing of their fans in the Aviva Stadium Europa Conference League victories against Stjarnan, Dudelange and PAOK, and they will be relying on that raucous support once more – this time from the Jodi Stand – against traditional Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers.

Despite bumpy periods of form this season, the Gypsies have risen to the occasion in big games, most notably that recent four-game winning streak in Europe, while Georgie Kelly’s goal was the difference when these sides met in the league in June.

And Long believes that a performance of the calibre of those victories will be needed to progress in the cup against the league leaders and reigning champions.

His team go into the game refreshed after a weekend with no competitive fixture, a result of tomorrow’s opposition playing a Europa Conference League tie of their own, which saw the postponement of last week’s scheduled league meeting between Rovers and Bohs.

Stephen Bradley’s side will be disappointed that they were on the wrong side of a 5-2 aggregate reversal against Flora Tallin in that tie, but they have been the form team domestically over the past 18 months.

That is a challenge that Long and his players are looking forward to.

Long said: “This is a great game to have. They don’t come much bigger than this.

“They say you have to beat the best teams to win a cup, and Rovers have proven to be that over the last 18 months or so.

“We want to play in big games of consequence and this is certainly a game that requires us to perform to capacity.

“It will be a real test of our group’s development. It will be a tough game but one that we are looking forward to and the challenge of trying to progress to the next round of this competition.”

The postponement of the league meeting between the sides gave Long’s team a breather after a hectic six weeks or so competing domestically and on the continent, but also refocused the minds ahead of what will be another busy schedule.

That postponement, and that of next week’s league game because of the Ireland U21 call-ups of Andy Lyons, Ross Tierney and Dawson Devoy, means Bohs now have four league games to reschedule; away to Dundalk, Finn Harps and Shamrock Rovers, and home to Derry City.

Long’s side are geared towards the task ahead of them as they look to qualify for Europe once more through the league, and progress in the FAI Cup.

After European hangovers saw them take just one point in total from disappointing outings against Longford and Waterford, they returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win against Sligo Rovers a fortnight ago with skipper Keith Buckley, so often the unsung hero that made Bohs tick throughout that European run, the matchwinner.

Long said: “After the dust has settled on our European campaign, we can now fully focus on our domestic stuff, and it was vital we were able to bounce back after a hectic schedule with a winning performance against Sligo Rovers a fortnight ago.

“Previous league games between European games had seen us drop valuable points but against Sligo, the boys showed great resilience, character and unbelievable fitness levels to produce a great team performance to get the desired result.

“It was an important win helped by the supporters in the stand, who created a great atmosphere and understood the importance of the game.

“We enjoyed playing against European opposition but we cannot be satisfied with that and for us to continue to develop as a club, it is imperative that we try to secure European football next year.

“We have a number of games in hand but we will also have fixture congestion, which can be difficult to navigate but the group is fully focused on achieving our objectives.”

This game is being exclusively streamed on LOITV, with Eric Lalor presenting pitchside, joined by 1992 Bohemians FAI Cup hero Dave Tilson, while Rúaidhrí O’Connor is on commentary alongside Dave Scully.

FAI Cup games are not included in the season pass, but the stream can be purchased for €5 from LOITV.ie

TEAM NEWS

Bohemians have a full squad to choose from.

Stephen Mallon (hip) has been eased back with substitute appearances against PAOK and Sligo Rovers, while Promise Omochere (quad) is available once more as well.[/toggle]

BOHEMIANS v SLIGO ROVERS
SSE Airtricity League
Sunday August 15 2021
Dalymount Park, 3pm
Live on LOITV.ie

Bohemians have now proven they can compete at a higher level but manager Keith Long has warned that they need to prove they can do it domestically once more if they want to dine at the top table again.

The Gypsies’ European journey came to an end in Thessaloniki on Thursday night as PAOK won 2-0 on the night, wiping out Bohs’ remarkable 2-1 win in the first leg at the Aviva Stadium nine days previously.

Having run the Greeks so close in both games, management and players viewed the tie as a missed opportunity to progress further and test themselves again once more.

But they and fans alike will look back on the past six weeks as one of the most enjoyable periods at the club, becoming the first League of Ireland side to win four consecutive games in Europe delivered with it immeasurable highs that will live long in the memories of all involved.

After an uncertain 16-month absence, the sheer joy of fans and the team being together as one for the first time since the onset of the pandemic under the roof of the Aviva Stadium will be cherished forever.

And for supporters to witness three successive victories at the Aviva against quality European opposition is something none of them will ever forget.

The challenge now is to attempt to put all of that firmly out of mind as Long’s side look to claw back lost ground on the chasing pack as they aim to qualify for Europe once more.

That will be easier said than done as they face Sligo Rovers, who are seven points ahead of them in third place.

Liam Buckley’s men, despite being on a bad run currently, have had Bohs’ number this season too with a 3-1 win at Dalymount Park in April and a 4-0 win at the Showgrounds in June.

Long said: “We want to play in European competition, it is very important for the progression and direction of the club that we learn from nights like Thursday.

“Everybody has enjoyed the journey in Europe. Now we have to get back to basics domestically and make sure we get back into Europe next season.

“We are good enough, the squad is good enough. We have to try and bounce back now. We can’t let a set-back set us back any further.

“We have dropped points now after European games against Longford and Waterford already so cannot dwell too much on Thursday.

“We are playing Sligo, a team we haven’t beaten yet this season, and a team that is a competitor of ours looking for a European spot.

“We have to refocus, rechannel our energies and get the team as motivated as we possibly can.”

Long and his players are keen to deliver for the supporters too. That much is clear from his comments on Thursday night.

Speaking shortly after the game, Long said: “The supporters have been absolutely unbelievable for us, particularly in the Aviva Stadium where we have been able to get them back in their numbers.

“The support that they have given the team has been absolutely fantastic and it is appreciated by everybody and it is not lost on us.

“We have given the supporters a little bit of hope and we don’t want to take that away from them. We want to give them belief in this team and we want to make sure that we are right back where we want to be next year and that’s in European competition.

“We have lots of targets and objectives still to meet. There is plenty of the season still to play for. There are a lot of games to play, and there is plenty to be won and lost.

“Our number one objective is to bounce back against Sligo.”

Reflecting on Thursday’s defeat immediately afterwards was no mean feat, but Long was brutally honest in his initial assessment.

He said: “We had every chance to go through. When we analyse the game and look back on our performance, we gave away two bad goals.

“Yes we were playing against top quality players, worth a lot of money. But we are disappointed with the goals we conceded and the chances that we gave away.

“We are disappointed we didn’t progress. We can’t defend like we did in key moments against a team of PAOK’s ability.

“In the second half we had two really good chances to get back into the game which would have really changed the atmosphere in the stadium and perhaps the outcome of the game.

“For all the talk the head didn’t affect us too much, our fitness levels were good but ultimately we didn’t take the game to extra time.

“Overall, ultimately as a collective, we are going to look back and feel we lacked a bit of belief in ourselves to win the tie.

“We can look back in the future with a bit of pride with how we have played over the campaign, but we had chances ourselves and we will look back at it as a missed opportunity too.”

The challenge for Long and his team now is to make sure they are in the hat for further opportunities in European competition next season.

TEAM NEWS

Stephen Mallon (hip) returned for a role off the bench against PAOK on Thursday. But Promise Omochere (quad) remains out, while Ciarán Kelly is unavailable.

Bohemian FC regrettably informs supporters in Greece that we have been told by PAOK and Thessaloniki police to advise you, in the interests of your own safety, not to travel to tomorrow’s Europe Conference League qualifier between PAOK and Bohemians.

While UEFA guidelines for European qualifiers do not allow away team ticket allocations at this present time, we had hoped that those who had purchased tickets directly from PAOK might be accommodated.

This evening we have been informed by police that only people with Greek passports will be allowed to attend, and that no Irish passport holders will not be permitted entry.

PAOK further informed us that any tickets purchased today by Bohemians fans will be refunded, but that no refunds will be given for tickets purchased tomorrow.

The commitment to the team shown by our supporters has not gone unnoticed by the management and players.

While this situation is out of our control, the club regrets that no compromise could be found.

In the interests of your own safety, we ask supporters to heed the advice not to travel to Toumba tomorrow.

SSE Airtricity League
Saturday August 7 2021
The RSC, 2pm
Live on LOITV

While fans might be looking ahead to Thursday’s Europa Conference League qualifier return leg away to PAOK in Greece, Bohemians players have pushed that out of their thinking and are fully focused on getting a result in Waterford today.

Tyreke Wilson has enjoyed a healthy battle for the left-back berth this season with Anto Breslin -. the duo push each other all the way.

When it comes to the Europa Conference League games, Wilson got the nod for the first two games against Stjarnan, but Breslin has been the starter for the past three since.

Like everyone in this Bohemians squad, however, Wilson is a real team player.

He came on against PAOK on Thursday for the final few minutes and, after that whetting of the appetite, is hoping he will get another opportunity to display what he is capable of against his former club Waterford at the RSC today.

Wilson said: “It was a great feeling on Tuesday. We fully respected them but we had our own game-plan and we stuck to it.

“We said before the game that we had to focus on our own performance and we did that. We are going over there with something to play for but we are not getting carried away.”

That is about as much as Tyreke or any Bohs player wants to talk about Thursday’s game at this stage.

Having dropped points against Longford Town the last time a league game was sandwiched between a European tie, they do not want to leave anything to chance.

Wilson said: “Whatever team Keith puts out, we have players in every position who are determined to go out and get the right performance to get the right result.

“If Keith makes changes, it is up to everyone who is given an opportunity to seize it. It is not going to be an easy game. Waterford are a much-improved side from the team we played earlier in the season.

“They have won their last four games, so they are one of the form teams in the league at the moment.”

As well as wanting to deliver on the pitch, Wilson is delivering off it too.

He said: “Yeah! I started with An Post a few weeks ago as a postman and I am really enjoying it.

“I’ve clocked up some mileage over the last few weeks! It has given me a better routine too.

“With us training in the evening, you can fall into bad habits during the day so I am enjoying the discipline of having to get up early and having that routine. I think it’s good for me and I am enjoying it so far.”

Manager Keith Long echoed the need to focus fully on today’s game and to push out any distractions thinking ahead to Thursday.

Long said: “We said at the end of the game on Tuesday that our focus had to shift to Waterford.

“The boys came off the pitch on Tuesday full of adrenaline. They were pleased. But that is over now and we cannot dwell on that too much.

“That might sound boring when people are getting excited about European games, but we want more nights like we had on Tuesday. That doesn’t happen unless our league form is looked after.

“Waterford have made significant changes over the past month or so, and they have won their last four games, so we are in for a real game and we need to deliver a big performance.”

TEAM NEWS

Promise Omochere (quad) and Stephen Mallon (hip) are doubts.

BOHEMIANS v PAOK
Europa Conference League Third Qualifying Round First Leg
Tuesday August 3rd, 2021
Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm
Live on LOITV (€10)

Keith Long has done his homework on tonight’s opponents PAOK but says the focus is on Bohemians’ own game-plan and not that of the visitors.

The Bohs manager has encouraged his side to relish the challenge of testing their abilities against a team of great European pedigree, and urged them to be true to themselves.

Long said: “We are facing international players who have been in the Europa League group stages and are used to success at this level.

“The Greek League is not one of the biggest leagues in Europe but it is a very strong league with a big history and tradition with the likes of Olympiakos, Panathinaikos, AEK Athens and PAOK.

“We have given our players as much information as we possibly can without putting the fear of God into them!

“But can’t be overly preoccupied with the opposition. We want to remain true to ourselves and play the way that we want to play.

“There is no point in coming here if we are not prepared to test ourselves, if we just want to shut up shop, get bodies behind the ball and contain and counter.

“We can do all that type of stuff and we still might lose, so we’ve got to try and be true to ourselves, and we want to try and impose ourselves on the opposition.

“We believe we have good technical players who can take command of the ball and look for the ball in tight spaces.
“Obviously PAOK are a highly technical team, so we have to trust and believe in our processes and in what we do.

“We have to believe in our game-plan and the structure we play in. Outside of having the ball, we know what we want to try and do.

“There will be times when we have to absorb pressure and soak it up, but we have to make sure the team is organised.

“But when we have the ball, we have to be able to keep it and play through a press, and try to get our attacking principles and players into the game.

“Imposing ourselves on the opposition will be difficult but that is the challenge for us as a group.

“I shouldn’t be sitting here if I don’t have belief in the team and if I don’t have belief in myself as a manager. That’s the challenge for us.”

Leading the team out once more will be captain Keith Buckley, who dominates today’s newspaper coverage of tonight’s game after the 29-year-old, who has always sought to avoid the limelight and prefers to do his talking on the pitch, gave rare media interviews in the club’s pre-match press confrence yesterday.

The modest captain, making his 302nd club appearance tonight, has always led by example but has driven the team forward to another level in the Europa Conference League qualifier wins against Icelandic side Stjarnan and Luxembourg side Dudelange.
The respect and admiration Long has for his skipper, both on and off the pitch, is clear.

He added: “Where do you start? Fantastic work-rate and work ethic. He is a fantastic fella to have around the place.

“He leads by example, not just on the pitch, but how he behaves off it too.

“Bucko has a full-time job, but that’s neer been an excuse for him. He comes in ready, trains hard and he has improved as a player too.

“He’s in his 30th year now. He has had loads of games under his belt, he had a milestone last week of 300 appearances for the club, which is a huge testament to him and how he looks after himself.

“It is hard to put into words how influential he has been around the group.

“He is our captain, was vice-captain under Derek Pender, and he has been anboslutely integral to everything we have tried to do in my time at the club.”

TEAM NEWS

Promise Omochere (quad) and Stephen Mallon (hip) remain doubts.

We once again ask that all fans attending tonight’s game read the below Code of Conduct and adhere to it.

Club staff and volunteers have devoted a serious amount of time to overcoming serious obstacles to secure the Aviva Stadium to host our Europa Conference League qualfying games.

Once again, all eyes are on us as a club, including you as a supporter, to ensure that tonight’s game passes without incident.

The 6,000 in attendance for Bohemians v Stjarnan and 8,000 in attendance for Bohemians v Dudelange created atmospheres to remember – nights that will live long in the memory of supporters and players after an agonising 16 months apart.

But we must remind all supporters that the club’s use of the Aviva Stadium necessitates a personal responsibility from all in attendance to adhere to the very basic Covid-19 public health requirements such as sitting in your allocated seats, social-distancing, wearing face-coverings at all times, and respecting the instructions of stadium security and club staff/volunteers.

Please also note that all tickets purchased online are digital tickets and should be presented on arrival on your mobile device, not on printouts.

Bohemian FC Volunteer Board of Management

SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT:

P/dropcap]rior to being admitted to Bohemian FC’s match at Aviva Stadium, spectators are required to read and agree to a Code of Conduct and any updated ground regulations.

The Code of Conduct will include details on key behaviour expected of spectators while attending a match at Aviva Stadium such as:

• Social distancing
• Policies of face-coverings
• Personal hygiene and etiquette
• Respect for other spectators

A person purchasing multiple tickets is expected to forward the rules to all those attending the event with them.

Non-compliances with the Code of Conduct may lead to expulsion from the grounds, or prevention of attending future events.

All spectators should also be required to download the HSE Covid-19 Tracker App.

All spectators must adhere to the following Code of Conduct when attending matches in Aviva Stadium during Covid-19:

• Do not attend the event if you are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, are a close contact of a Covid-19 case, or have travelled from outside the green list countries in the last 14 days.
• It is your responsibility to personally assess your ability to attend if you might be considered a vulnerable person.
• Be aware that the contact information given at ticket purchase and your seat allocation will be kept for up to 28 days to facilitate contact tracing.
• Download and install the HSE Covid-19 Contact Tracing App prior to arrival.
• Make sure in advance that you are sure where your entry point to the ground is.
• Be aware that public transport may be operating at reduced capacity. Please walk or cycle to the grounds where possible.
• Proceed directly to the event and home afterwards. Limitations on local amenities, restaurants and bars, may mean they are not in a position to facilitate pre/post event patrons.
• Please practice social-distancing and hygiene while travelling to and from the venue. Please have respect for the areas surrounding the venue, including local businesses and residents.
• Arrive in good time to allow the necessary checks and procedures.
• Be aware that your temperature will be checked before entry.
• Please follow the directions of the stewards and any signage provided.
• Please be respectful to Aviva Stadium staff and Bohemian FC staff and stewards. Verbal abuse will not be tolerated.
• Please observe social-distancing at all times and in all parts of the grounds.
• Avoid contact with others who are not in your social bubble.
• Please proceed to your allocated seating or standing area and remain there until exiting unless using the amenities such as toilets.
• Be aware that requirements for social distancing and reduced facilities may lead to increased queuing times for amenities.
• When moving past others in a seated area, please avoid face to face contact with other Spectators.
• Maintain good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitiser dispensers provided.
• Avoid touching your face whenever possible.
• Please wear your face coverings at all times, except when eating or drinking, unless you are under 13 or are unable to wear them because of a physical or mental illness or disability.
• Please observe respiratory etiquette – always cover your mouth if you need to cough or sneeze.
• Refrain from hugging, high fives, or any close contact with people who are not within your social bubble.
• If you are attending with other members of your social bubble, please make sure they have read and understood these guidelines.
• Failure to follow these rules may lead to a denial of entry, or expulsion from the grounds.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Bohemian FC and the Football Association are delighted to confirm that Tuesday’s (August 3rd) Europa Conference League third qualifying round between Bohemians and PAOK of Greece will be held at the Aviva Stadium at 7.45pm with a capacity of 8000.

Bohemians progressed tonight with a 4-0 aggregate victory against Dudelange following a 3-0 win on the night thanks to a first-half goal from Rob Cornwall and a second half brace from Georgie Kelly

As with tonight’s game and the previous round against Stjarnan a fortnight ago, there will be an exclusive pre-sale window for members and season ticket holders to purchase tickets tomorrow (Friday) at 10am before they go on general sale from Ticketmaster later in the day at 3pm.

General admission tickets will again be priced at €20, premium level €30, while there will be a limited number of U16s tickets available at the reduced rate of €10.

As with the previous rounds, it is not possible to purchase single tickets. This is to maximise capacity while adhering to two metre social-distancing.

Meanwhile, Monday’s SSE Airtricity League game against Finn Harps has now been postponed.

EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE
Second Qualifying Round Second Leg
Thursday July 29 2021
Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm
Live on LOITV.ie 

Keith Long believes Bohemians need to raise the bar once more tonight if they are to get past Dudelange in the Europa Conference League.

Ross Tierney’s 11th-minute goal in Luxembourg last week gives Bohs a slender 1-0 lead going into the return leg at the Aviva Stadium.

Bohs were the better side in the first half on that occasion, particularly in the opening 20 minutes, but Dudelange piled the pressure on in the second half, so Long has an idea of what to expect from them tonight.

But he believes his side have more in the tank too.

He said: “The game is finely poised as we take a slim lead into this tie after a disciplined away performance from the boys.

“We started the game brightly in Luxembourg and went ahead through a Ross Tierney goal after a brilliantly-executed pass from Dawson Devoy to pick out a clever run from wide by Ali Coote.

“Ross was on hand to fire home after the ball spilled loose from their goalkeeper.

“Not for the first time this year, Ross was alert to give us the lead. He is thriving on the responsibility of contributing goals and assists but also benefiting from the foil that is Georgie Kelly whom again I felt provided us with a platform up front.

“It was a disciplined team display but we feel we can play better than we did on the night.
“That’s not to take anything away from the players – results in Europe are hard to come by, especially away from home so we can be nothing but pleased with the result.

“I feel, however, that we will need to raise the bar again with performance to progress as Dudelange will absolutely embrace coming to Dublin and will feel they have more than a fighting chance.

“They are a good team with some good technical players and plenty or European experience, so we will be taking nothing for granted and understand the size of the task we face tonight.”

The 6000 in attendance roared Bohs to a 3-0 victory against Icelandic side Stjarnan at the Aviva a fortnight ago as club members, season ticket holders and the wider fanbase were united under the one roof for the first time since the onset of the pandemic.

Long and Co are counting on supporters to raise the roof once more tonight.

He added: “It is absolutely fantastic to see we have sold out the 8,000 capacity and we are looking forward to the colour and atmosphere which was generated two weeks again.

“The supporters deserve nights like this and we as a group want to play in important games.

“That support is crucial tonight and will be vital if we are going to progress. The togetherness of this club is really something we can cherish and be proud of.

“The players will never underestimate what this club means to all Bohemians supporters and they will fight every minute as they represent you on the pitch.”

TEAM NEWS

Stephen Mallon (hip) and Promise Omochere (quad) are doubts.