Bohs turn to Fenlon after parting ways with Devine
PAT FENLON, who led Bohemians to their last major trophy in 2010, has stepped into the breach at Dalymount Park after the club abruptly parted company with Declan Devine. That Devine was shown the door after just four games of the new season suggests his position was on thin ice before a ball was kicked in anger. Four points from four games wasn’t sufficient for those in the Bohs hierarchy who felt Devine, a decent football man, had taken the club as far as he could. Some supporters believe that, too, as they turned on Devine after the 2-0 loss at home to Shelbourne on Friday. The new campaign has been an extension of the pain of 2023 when Bohs fell away in the final third of the season, eventually dropping to sixth place, before blowing a lead to St Pat’s to lose the FAI Cup final. Had Devine led Bohs into Europe, or bagged a trophy, his job would have been more secure.
It didn’t help Devine that Bohs have had a massive turnover of players in the close season, while a trio of key men — Keith Buckley, Rob Cornwall and James Talbot — are unavailable.
The club is fortunate to have someone of Fenlon’s vast experience to turn to. The Dubliner, the club’s director of football since January 2023, is well capable of taking charge on a full-time basis. He led Bohs to the League and FAI Cup double in 2008, the League in 2009 and the Setanta
Cup in 2010. Prior to that, he steered Shelbourne to the League in 2003, 2004 and 2006.
Fenlon turns 55 on Friday when Bohs are next in action, at home to Derry City. If the club decide to look elsewhere, former Irish manager Stephen Kenny, who led Bohs to the title in 2003, could come into the equation along with current Irish U21 boss Jim Crawford, a former Bohs player.
The Bohs board thanked Devine ‘for the commitment, determination and enthusiasm he brought to the club since being appointed to’.
‘He oversaw the club’s transition back to full-time football and his efforts saw Bohs reach the FAI Cup final and narrowly miss out on qualification for Europe through the league last season.’
Bohs have also parted company with assistant manager Gary Cronin and Fenlon will take charge on an interim basis, assisted by first-team coach Derek Pender
Meanwhile, Jon Daly has defended his decision to replace Liverpool loanee Marcelo Pitaluga with Danny Rogers in goal for St Patrick’s Athletic.
‘It’s like any position, if someone is not performing, the change is made. I felt for the good of team and himself (Pitaluga) it was the right decision,’ said Daly who will keep faith in Rogers for Friday’s derby against leaders Shelbourne at Richmond Park.
‘To be fair to Marcelo (Pitaluga), he’s found it difficult at the start. It doesn’t mean he’s not a good goalkeeper. He’s had a couple of situations, President’s Cup and last week in Waterford, he’s had a couple I felt he should have done better with. He’s a confident boy. He was surprised he was getting left out which I kind of like.’
Daly won’t expect eyebrows raised at Pitaluga’s parent club Liverpool. He said: ‘You play on merit, and it you’re not performing or not playing well, you don’t play regardless of where you’ve come from.’