Be at Dalyer next season come what may

“They are very flexible. I spoke to the head of the course at Smurfit, and they are dead on,” explained Kelly at the launch of the LOI FIFA 22 cover.

“There would be no issues postponing the masters. It would be fine. The course influenced the move to Bohs a little bit, it being in Dublin and located close to UCD, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have ambitions outside this league.”

But he added: “At the same time, I would not jump at the first chance I get to go away. It would have to be the right move.”

That suggests Kelly will more likely consider staying with Bohs or joining Derry’s bid to land a first league title since 1996-97.

Same

“It’s the same as every year, you sit down at the end of the season,” Kelly explained. “You just keep chipping away and try to score as many goals as you can, get a bit of silverware, win the cup, or push up the league.

“We (Keith and I) haven’t even discussed anything yet.”

Bohs are challenging on two fronts with a chance of Europe through the league or FAI Cup.

The only avenue open to Derry is via the league.

“I’m only 10 minutes from the Brandywell, so Derry is the club I supported,” said Kelly. “It would be great to see Derry challenging again.

“And I think Ruaidhri is the right man to do it, and they have recognised that up there.

“If they back Ruaidhri now, he is probably the man who can get Derry into a title challenge. With ‘Fats’ (McEleney) and possibly a few more (there in 2022), they will be right up there.

“And Philip O’Doherty and his bags of cash!” joked Kelly.

So has O’Doherty come to Kelly with the cheque book yet?

“No, he has not!”

7.45pm, Dalymount, LOITV