Bohemian FC is delighted to announce the appointment of our former player Gary Deegan to the role of academy development coach.
The 37-year-old returns to the club where he made his big breakthrough as a player, winning back-to-back league titles and an FAI Cup during his 18-month stint in 2008 and 2009.
He went on to spend the next decade in England and Scotland, returning to the League of Ireland in 2020 to line out for Shelbourne before spending the last four seasons with Drogheda United.
He hung up his boots at the end of the 2024 season with an FAI Cup winners’ medal, and is now relishing his first role in coaching.
Deegan said: “I’m really happy to be here, this is a club I am obviously very familiar with.
“Bohs put me on my path as a player, pushed me and drove me. Now I find myself on the other side, where I can push and motivate younger kids.
“I feel I am in a position where I can help the younger generation. That is something that I am really excited to be part of.
“Football is in me, it is something I am very passionate about and after speaking with Trevor Croly and Pat Fenlon, I felt this role is something that was right for me, and I think we are going to be a good match.”
Head of Academy Trevor Croly said: “Gary is going to be great for the academy. He is a great link to Bohs’ past, he was very successful here as a player; as recently as last year winning the FAI Cup with Drogheda United.
“The experiences he brings from his own career is going to be significant for players we are bringing through. From his experiences here in the League of Ireland to the journey he went on in England and Scotland, he has so much to delve on.
“We have talented young players here looking to break into the first team and become senior pros. Having someone like Gary with the knowledge and experience of being in their shoes will really benefit them.
“He has a winning mentality, he has a real drive and he is someone who clearly wants to graft and be successful. He’s delighted to be there, he has great energy, and we are really pleased to have him on board with us.”