It has been an incredible start to the season for the Dublin club who currently just four points off the top of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, with one game in hand. The Gypsies have also enjoyed incredible off-field success with packe
It has been an incredible start to the season for the Dublin club who currently just four points off the top of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, with one game in hand. The Gypsies have also enjoyed incredible off-field success with packed-crowds at Dalymount Park, a thriving and successful under-age structure and ongoing community work through the Bohemians Foundation and the More Than A Club scheme. Speaking with FAI TV, the Bohemians manager believes building the identity of the 'People's Club' has been a cornerstone of the recent success on the field and insists the club are about more than playing football matches. "We're embedded in the community here in Phibsborough and that's a product of the hard work behind the scenes from the staff, board and volunteers," said Keith Long. "There is fantastic work being done in the community by the club with the Bohemians Foundation and the More Than A Club scheme, and it's about embracing that side of football so the community can come together and enjoy football here on Friday nights. "Bohs is a footballing institution in this country and hopefully we're on a upward curve once again. There is a clear identity between the players and the supporters, we've got 23 teams and a Football for All programme and it is so important. It's really powerful." A intergal part to their success on the field has been the recruitment of players in the off-season. Bohemians saw the likes of Daniel Kelly move to Dundalk, JJ Lunney move to Waterford and Eoghan Stokes move to Derry City in the off-season but Long was quick to bolster his squad with an impressive recruitment campaign. Danny Mandroiu, James Talbot, Conor Levingston and Luke Wade-Slater were among of number of 2019 season signings who've hit the ground running in Phibsborough, and Long has praised the players for adapting so quickly to the SSE Airtricity League. "We've got some good players, the bulk of the squad was retained for this season. We've been able to pick up players who've returned from the UK but have international pedigree and how they've performed so far is testament to their attitude," continued Keith Long. "We made a decision to recruit players who've played for the country at under-age level and have had a good footballing education. Ultimately, the players have talent and we give them the licence to go and do that on a Friday night. "The ownership is on the players to go and deliver in front of a packed-Dalymount Park but they've really brought into the ethos of the club and it's been great to see." Bohemians welcome Cork City to Dalymount Park tomorrow, with kick-off at 7.45pm.
