New Bohs boss Devine aims to end trophy drought

BACK IN BUSINESS: Bohemians have appointed former Derry City manager Declan Devine as their new boss. Pic: BohemiansFC/Twitter

New Bohemians boss Declan Devine has vowed to end the club’s 12-year wait for a trophy when he takes charge after tonight’s sold-out game at St Patrick’s Athletic.

Devine’s two previous club managerial spells were both at Derry City, whose current assistant Alan Reynolds recently rejected the vacancy.

Bohs turned their attention to Wexford boss Ian Ryan but protracted talks failed to resolve differences in financial aspects and Devine has instead landed at Dalymount.

A disappointing season brought Keith Long’s eight-year term to a close in August and the only chance remaining of silverware, the FAI Cup, was soon put beyond them when Damien Duff’s Shelbourne prevailed in the quarter-final.

Long’s sidekicks Derek Pender and Trevor Croly have remained in caretaker charge since and how Devine’s arrival affects their employment will be an early indicator of what direction the new chief intends travelling in. They will have three games left in the season after tonight.

Sixth place among 10 teams is not what was envisaged when Bohs reached the FAI Cup final, losing on penalties, and capturing the public’s hearts by reaching the Europa Conference League playoffs but stability, followed by success, is what Devine is anticipating over his two-year contract.

“I want to win trophies,” he asserted.

“2010 is the last time that Bohemian won a trophy. That is far too long for a club of this size, stature and support base.

“Getting this job gives me so much pride, a proud moment for my family too, but we don't have time to celebrate.

“I have a job to do and will be completely immersing myself in moving to Dublin. It will be full-pelt from Monday.

“I am going to do everything in my power to ensure this club is back where it belongs and for me, that means Bohs being back at the top of the table.

“I’m a working-class guy from a working-class background and my ultimate goal has always been to work to achieve success.

“I want our players and staff to follow the same mantra. I want us to do everything in our power to bring success to this club.

“I want to put together a squad that has an identity with its people and its supporters. The players need to reflect that.” He added: “This next week or so will be about assessments. It will be about watching so many of the games, it will be about watching people’s attitudes, and it will be about speaking to individuals.

“I want to speak to all the staff and get their opinions about where things have gone wrong and where things have gone right.

“It is time to assess exactly where we are as a club on the playing side of things and on the coaching side of things, and to make sure that we put the structures in place to enable us to get back to the very top of Irish football."