Stephen O'Donnell appointed Bohemians assistant manager

BOHS ARE BACK IN TOWN: Stephen O'Donnell has returned to Bohemians as their assistant manager. Pic credit: Bohemians FC.

Bohemians have announced the surprise appointment of Stephen O’Donnell as their new men’s first team assistant manager.

Most recently, O'Donnell was in charge of Dundalk but following a winless start to the new season, he parted company with the Lilywhites one month ago.

The 38-year-old has now decided to return to Dalymount Park, where he won a league and cup double as a player in 2008 before going on to win leagues with Shamrock Rovers and as captain at Dundalk, as Alan Reynolds' number two.

O’Donnell won the FAI Cup in his first managerial job at St Patrick’s Athletic, beating Bohs in the final on penalties in 2021, before soon taking the managerial reins at Dundalk where things turned sour despite a promising start.

“Stephen will bring fantastic qualities to the club from the vast experience he has had in the league over many years as both a player and a manager in his own right," Bohs manager Alan Reynolds told the club's official website.

“He has a fantastic approach to the game and we share similar beliefs on how the game should be approached. He’s a winner, and I am really looking forward to working with him.

“I also want to thank Trevor Croly who stepped up from his role as U20s manager to assist me with the first team on a temporary basis since I came to the club. His experience and knowledge has been invaluable to me, and will remain invaluable as he brings players through from the U20s to the first team.”

O’Donnell added: “I can’t wait to get cracking. I’ve always had a good relationship with Alan, and the stars aligned in recent weeks with me leaving Dundalk and with Alan looking for a permanent assistant manager.

“I’ve great memories of my time here as a player, and I believe I’ve gained a lot of experience in my 18 years in the league as a player and a manager.

“I’ve watched from afar as Bohs have grown over the past number of years, and you can feel the potential that there is at the club.

“There is great scope to build on that potential here and to be successful under Alan. We have a lot of hard work to do to make that happen and that is a challenge I am really looking forward to being a part of.”