DEVINE INTERVENTION
Gypsies board move to bin under-fire manager Declan
BOHEMIANS are on the lookout for a new manager after yesterday’s decision to part company with Declan Devine.
Director of Football Pat Fenlon will take charge of the team on an interim basis, assisted by first-team coach Derek Pender, according to a club statement.
Devine was in the job from October 2022 and he led the Dalymount Park side to the FAI Cup final last year, where they lost to St Patrick’s Athletic.
However, their defeat on Friday to Shelbourne, four days after their reversal at Drogheda United, cost him his position.
“The Board of Bohemian FC wish to put on record our thanks to Declan for the commitment, determination and enthusiasm he brought to the club since being appointed in October 2022,” read the statement.
“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.
“The club has also parted ways with assistant manager Gary Cronin, and the board also wish to thank him for his efforts since his appointment in November 2022.”
Devine spoke about the boos directed at him from sections of the home support after Friday’s defeat and said: “They’re entitled to it, I think they’re entitled to it. It’s been a poor week and there is nobody more disappointed than me.
“I have been in the game long enough to understand that it’s a results business and it’s been a really poor week for us.”
He added: “It’s been a very bad week. To lose two games in five days is not acceptable. I hold my hands up. It’s my responsibility.
“I pick the team. I am the manager of the club and from my point of view it’s not good enough.”
Meanwhile, Shels boss Damien Duff wore an Irish/ Palestinian flag pin during his side’s win over Bohs, becoming the latest Irish sporting figure to show solidarity with Palestine.
The Shels staff all wore the pins, with Duff revealing that his assistant manager, former West Ham and Ireland defender Joey O’brien, was the driving force behind the decision.
“Ah listen, I’m not a politician but we all know what’s going on,” he said. “The staff are all wearing them tonight to show solidarity.”