Bohs vow to stay in top flight as club aims to resolve €4m debt

BOHEMIANS have reaffirmed their determination to remain in the Airtricity League Premier Division despite deep concerns about the club’s difficult financial situation.

According to a statement issued yesterday, Bohs are in a better trading position than this time last year, with payments to players and the Revenue Commissioners all up to date.

However, the major underlying problem remains the club’s €4 million debt to Zurich Bank, repayment of which falls due in June of next year, a target which can only realistically be met by the sale of Dalymount Park .

The club’s board says that it is continuing to work to resolve legal issues relating to the sale of the property while also negotiating with Zurich Bank about a schedule of interest payments on the loan.

Ahead of an EGM this week, the club also said that it is continuing with fundraising activities and exploring all possible options to secure its future into next season and beyond.

“The club is determined to maintain these efforts,” said the statement, “to ensure that Bohemians continue to play in the top flight of Irish football, as they have done — uniquely among all the clubs — since the establishment of the League of Ireland 90 years ago.”

Meanwhile, another embattled club, newly relegated Galway United, have appointed John Brennan as team manager is a permanent capacity.

“It’s a great challenge and I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “I’ll have my own team and I can be judged on that. I’ll be looking to bring in the best young talent around the city and county.”

The club added that it will be concentrating during the close season on team recruitment, fundraising and preparation for the licensing process.