It is with great regret that Bohemian Football Club today announces that our much-loved captain Derek Pender will tomorrow play his final game after deciding to retire from playing football.
Derek joined Bohemians in 2012 when the club was at perhaps its lowest ebb in its 129 years, with its very existence and that of Dalymount Park facing uncertain times due to multi-million euro debts.
Having played over 200 times for Bohemians since, the club that Derek plays his final game for tomorrow is in a wholly different place than it was eight seasons ago.
He has been a constant shining light and source of inspiration throughout that turnaround.
We could not have asked for a better leader or warrior on the pitch than Derek, a man who has from day one bought into and reflected the values and aspirations of the club, its supporters and those of the backroom team.
Following Keith Long’s appointment as manager in 2015, he made Derek his captain, a decision he describes as one of the best he has ever made.
We have had many great captains since 1890 but the role ‘Detser’ has played in turning our club around will place him up with the best of them.
Our supporters will be devastated that he won’t be leading us out when we compete in the Europa League next season, but will forever be grateful for his efforts in ensuring that the club got there in the first place.
To our captain and leader, we thank you dearly and we hope our supporters give you the send-off you deserve tomorrow night.
Manager Keith Long:
“Sadly tomorrow is the last time we get to see Derek in action as he will hang up his boots after 17 seasons as a League of Ireland player, eight of which he spent here in Dalymount.
“When I was appointed manager, I named Derek captain of the club and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
“If you are looking for a reason why this club is what it is today, then look no further than Derek.
“He is respected in every dressing room up and down the country and he has driven ours.
“The players adore him, respect him and would do anything for him.
“He is a real leader who goes about his business without any fanfare. His story, I believe, is a true inspiration for us all.
“Derek will remain at the club next year in a capacity yet to be determined but as far as I am concerned, he will have a huge role to play in our identity and how the club moves forward.
“Any Bohs player can look to Derek as inspiration and what you can achieve through honesty of effort and dedicating yourself to the game.”
Derek Pender:
“After 17 years playing in our great league, the time has come for me to announce my retirement. I never thought this day would come, it still doesn’t fell real.
“I was always a massive fan of our league. I used to bunk into Dalymount, Tolka and watch in awe of the greats like Owen Heary, Kevin Hunt, Stuart Byrne, Jason Byrne, Jim Crawford and Glen Crowe.
“Not many people have the opportunity to spend 17 years doing what they truly love to do. I have been fortunate to be able to do so yet here I am announcing my retirement as Bohs captain.
“I can’t say I will look back at my career without any regrets. Football gives you the highest of highs but also the lowest of lows. That’s why we love it.
“Tomorrow will be the last time I lead our team out in Dalymount. I’m actually dreading it because I’m going to miss it so much.
“Friday nights in Dalymount are so special to me. Our fans are the best in the world.
“I will never forget the semi-finals we had this year and last season. Those games will burn at me forever but I will always remember Turner’s Cross and the Jodi after both those games and the love we got from our fans.
“You don’t get that at any other club. I thank every one of you. It has been an honour.
“I particularly want to thank Keith. He made me captain when he arrived and gave me the best playing years of my career. I will be forever grateful to you.
“To all the staff – Trevor, Benno, Remy, Cathal, Robbie, Paul, Colly and Aaron – thank you.
“To the volunteers and staff at Bohemians – Daniel, Stephen, Chris, Lynn, Paul, Luke, Matt – and all the members, volunteers who I’ve got to know over the years, you are what make this club special. Thank you.
“To all my team-mates, I’m going to miss being the grumpy old man! Thank you for an amazing season. Against all the odds, we have qualified for Europe.
“Stay together. There is no better place to be than this great club.
“To my wife Jennifer, from U14s to now, thanks for never coming to watch me play! I love you. Thank you.
“She wore.”
