Ahead of Bohemians’ final league game of 2022, against Sligo Rovers at Dalymount Park at 7pm this evening, new manager Declan Devine addressed supporters directly.
Please note that while tickets for the Jodi Stand are sold out for the game, Des Kelly Stand tickets remain on sale from tickets.bohemians.ie.
Writing in the matchday programme for the first time, Devine thanked members and fans for their support during what has been a difficult season on and off the pitch, looked ahead to next season with enthusiasm, and called for support for Lynn O’Neill’s testimonial game, which takes place this Friday at Dalyount Park.
Devine said:
It is with great pride that I write my first message as manager of this wonderful and prestigious football club and thank you for the amazing reception I have received since moving to Dublin.
Although this is the last game of a very disappointing season on the pitch, we will be doing everything in our power to finish this campaign off with a win.
I have watched this club from afar and before moving to morning training and a professional full-time set-up in January 2023, I believe we should acknowledge with great thanks the incredible work and hours that Keith Long put into the club over his eight years of service. I am sure we will see Keith back in Irish football very soon and I wish him every success in the future.
The last few weeks have given me an invaluable opportunity to assess all aspects of the club and footballing structures. The current league position and results of this season have not been anywhere near good enough for a club of this magnitude and I will work every hour to build a squad of players to help us to get back to challenging for honours and have a team that you as members and supporters can relate to in our work ethic and style of play.
I sincerely thank you, our supporters, for the high level of attendance and for sticking with the team in what has, as stated already, been a frustrating season.
With the work that is underway to move the away section to Connaught Street next season to free up the Des Kelly Stand for Bohs fans, we are all looking forward to having even more people in the ground behind us. We want to give our community something to cheer about. Hopefully we can get the buzz and energy back into this historic stadium, and really have a go at bringing silverware back to Dalymount Park.
It has been a really tough year off the pitch also with the devastating loss of club legend Mono, and as a club that takes care of our own, we will always remember and support Derek’s wife Elayne and young family.
Another incredible servant to our club, Lynn O’Neill, retires at the end of the season and we thank Lynn for an unbelievable 40 years’ service to Bohemian Football Club and wish her every happiness in her retirement. I urge as many supporters as possible to come out and support her testimonial game here on Friday November 11th where real Bohs legends will play in her honour. Tickets are available from tickets.bohemians.ie.
To finish my first message to the fans, please continue to get behind the team and I look forward to building a squad for next season that we will all be proud of.
Enjoy the game,
Declan
TEAM NEWS
Bohemians are once again without the injured Jon McCraken, James Talbot, Ryan Burke, Laurenz Dehl, Tyreke Wilson, John O’Sullivan, Chris Lotefa, Johnny Afolabi and Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe.
