Bohs have the Keith to security

THEY love a good mural around Dalymount Park — the portrait of Phil Lynott is a thing of beauty — and it’s fair to say that Keith Long’s achievements during his three years in charge should have the Bohemians faithful rushing to commission something similar for their manager. He may not have delivered a trophy, but his successes shouldn’t be gauged by previous standards. The Dubliner has worked under the tightest of financial constraints with survival always the priority above all else. And his work this term has proven how shrewd he is. With the FAI changing the league structure, meaning three clubs would be relegated automatically, Long’s woes were compounded when last season’s player of the year, Keith Buckley, and the influential Roberto Lopes left for Bray Wanderers and Shamrock Rovers respectively. Long (left) regrouped, didn’t panic, and with a minimal budget made the decision to bring in the excellent Trevor Croly as first-team coach to ensure his squad would be as organised and welldrilled as possible. That is what management is all about. And it worked a treat. Bohs go into their final game at home to relegated Finn Harps knowing they will finish fifth with victory provided champions Cork City cap their title celebrations with a win over Bray Wanderers. Long has already resigned the spine of his current team with goalkeeper Shane Supple penning a two-year deal while defenders Rob Cornwall, Derek Pender and Dan Byrne joined Paddy Kavanagh by committing for 2018 earlier this week. Midfielder Fuad Sule looks set to depart, with a move to Barnet on the horizon, but Long is the man Bohs cannot afford to lose.