Farrelly takes over at Bohs

BOHEMIANS have appointed Irish international Gareth Farrelly as the club's new player-manager in succession to Stephen Kenny.

The Gypsies also announced last night that Gary Howlett, who has been in temporary charge since Kenny's sacking, will be the new full-time head coach.

Both appointments will be effective from next Thursday.

Farrelly has six full Irish caps and has played for Aston Villa, Everton and Bolton in the English Premiership.

He was released by Bolton Wanders in March before joining Wigan Athletic on a short-term deal until the end of last season.

A press conference will be held next Thursday to unveil the new manager and his backroom staff.

Bohemians say that Howlett is due to remain in charge of the first team for the next three games.

Bohs now have three full Irish Internationals in the squad: Gareth Farrelly, Dominic Foley and Glen Crowe.

Meanwhile, Dublin City manager Roddy Collins has announced the signing of West Ham United's Shaun Byrne and former Northern Ireland international Keith Rowlands.

The pair go straight into the squad for tonight's clash with Cork City in Turner's Cross.

Byrne was the captain of the Ireland team which won the European Youth Championship finals in 1998, while Rowlands has won 18 caps with Northern Ireland.