Bohemians For a season that started so well - beating rivals Shamrock Rovers - it is one that has lost all momentum as Bohemians have failed to win in their last five League games and find themselves third from bottom with just the 21 points to show
Bohemians
For a season that started so well - beating rivals Shamrock Rovers - it is one that has lost all momentum as Bohemians have failed to win in their last five League games and find themselves third from bottom with just the 21 points to show for their efforts with a potential relegation battle on the horizon.
Manager Keith Long will be fully aware of what needs to be done (mainly getting the ball in the back of the net) but it's time for action. Bohs are too good to be slipping down the Premier Division table and Long, along with assistant Trevor Croly, has the know-how to lift them back up.
The fixture congestion possibly played a part in fatiguing a part-time squad, but Bohs cannot look for any excuses. The IRN-BRU Scottish League Cup is coming up fast and so too are crucial League and Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup games, so they need to regain their swagger.
Mid-Season Rating: C-
All of the elements are there, they are just not combining to create the perfect winning formula with probably their most talented collection of players in recent times. A relegation scrap could be on the cards unless The Gypsies restart the campaign with a few crucial wins.
Best Player: Dylan Watts
If the hugely talented midfielder, who has just ended his contract with Leicester City, moves on then Bohs could be in real trouble. Worryingly for the Phibsboro outfit, Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers have already been linked as soon as the news broke. In the first half of the season he has been the creative spark for them, incredibly comfortable in possession and even though he needs to add more goals, he is a key player. Worryingly for the Gypsies, Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers have already been linked as soon as the news broke.
Most Promising Newcomer: Daniel Grant
This gifted attacker takes everything in his stride. He is rarely fazed by big occasions or experienced opponents which enables him to play his game. Having exploded onto the scene with a wonderous 40 yard goal and man of the match performance against Cabinteely in the EA SPORTS Cup, the pacey youngster frightens the life out of defenders with his direct style of play. There is definately a lot more to come from him.
Area They Need To Strengthen: Centre Forward
They have some really talented playmaking midfielders, and Oscar Brennan does a good job of breaking up play, trying to disrupt the opposition, but Bohs are missing someone to just get the ball over the line by any means necessary, an aggressive / pacey number 9. Fan favourite Dinny Corcoran has had his injuries but scoring just 21 goals in 22 games isn’t a fair reflection on some of the excellent build up play and controlled posession that has been on show. Those type of players are rare to find but one is needed in Dalymount.
