Declan Devine will hope to see his side claim their first win under his management when Bohemians entertain Sligo Rovers at Dalymount Park (kick-off is 7pm).
Devine took charge of the Phibsborough side last month and has seen them draw 2-2 with bottom side Finn Harps and lose 2-1 away to Dundalk last Friday night. David McMillan and Runar Hauge scored for Dundalk while Ethon Varian scored a late goal for Devine’s side.
Sligo are on a four game unbeaten run. An Aiden Keena penalty gave them a 1-0 win over St. Pat’s in their final home game of the season last weekend. That was Keena’s 17th goal of the season. The win secured a top half finish for Sligo.
Russell said: “It’s a work in progress. We have shown signs, I think. The team is getting stronger, players are improving individually. It doesn’t happen overnight and you are trying to develop a style of play. There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. It’s important that we finish the season in style.”
Bohs have claimed two wins over Sligo this season. Liam Burt was on target in their 1-0 win in their first meeting of the season. The game in Dalymount ended in a 2-1 win for the Gypsies. Dawson Devoy and Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe were on target for Bohs. Adam McDonnell scored a late consolation goal for Sligo.
Sligo recorded a 2-1 win over Bohs in their last meeting. Max Mata with a brace to claim the win for John Russell’s side after John O’Sullivan had put Bohs ahead.
Bohs have been boosted with the news that goalkeeper James Talbot has penned a new multi-year contract with the club. The netminder was ruled out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury picked up in June while on International duty with the Republic of Ireland.
Devine is rebuilding his squad for next season. Speaking to the club’s media the Bohs boss said: “My first two signings for next season – Keith Buckley and James – are two Bohs stalwarts; people who I believe can drive us on to success.
Deniese O'Flaherty
Deniese is a freelance sports journalist/broadcaster. She has worked for several local and national media outlets. GAA and soccer are her great loves and she also follows rugby league and snooker. She's a big supporter of her local clubs St. Mary's GAA Granard and Longford Town. She also follows Celtic, Liverpool and Leeds Rhinos. She presented and produced a popular sports podcast last year where she interviewed Ray Houghton, Chris Kamara and John Hartson. Deniese is currently Head of Communications for Boccia Ireland