Season Preview 2014 - Bohemians

Manager: Owen Heary

Stadium: Dalymount Park

Players in: Lee Murphy (Shelbourne), Jack Memery (Shelbourne), Philip McCabe (Malahide United), Paddy Kavanagh (Derry City), Craig Walsh (UCD), Jason Byrne (Bray Wanderers), Stephen Beattie (Tindastoll)

Players out: Chris Lyons (Shamrock Rovers B), Greg Murray (Shelbourne), Shane Murray (Waterford United), Dave Scully (Ballymun United).

Players Released: Michael Barker, Ciaran Nangle.

Extratime.ie Key Man: Jason Byrne

Ever since players of Jason Byrne’s ilk left Bohemians when their financial struggles started, they have struggled to constantly score goals. Many strikers have arrived in Phibsboro but none of them have been prolific and it has been a constant source of struggle. This is why Owen Heary has turned to his former team mate and the fact Byrne is trying to chase down Brendan Bradley’s all time goal scoring record means he will be key to success for Bohs this season.

Extratime.ie One to Watch: Stephen Beattie

This Irish striker has played everywhere except for the League of Ireland but now that is set to change. Beattie has had playing spells in the USA, Canada, Puerto Rico and more recently Iceland but after scoring a hat trick against Swords Celtic for Bohs Owen Heary decided to make him an offer which was accepted by the player. He is an unknown in this league but linking up with the experienced Jason Byrne will ultimately make him a better player.

How did they do last season?

League: 10^th

FAI Cup: Second round

EA SportsCup: Quarter Final

Top league Goalscorer: Ryan McEvoy – 7 goals

What to expect for 2014:

In terms of pre season games, the weather has seriously affected it with games falling foul to the elements. Games against Sandyhill Shangan and Waterford United were postponed and abandoned due to the weather and their Leinster Senior Cup tie with Bray was also postponed.

However, they have been able to play games, victories against Tolka Rovers, Bray Wanderers and Swords Celtic and a 1-1 draw against Shelbourne.

Despite these disruptions, I don’t think that it will too much of an effect on how their season will pan out. Players such as Jason Byrne and Aidan Price will add a lot of experience and quality to a squad that clearly lacked both of these things last season.

This squad will not be battling to stay in the division on the final day of the season and maybe even a midtable finish could be achievable.

Title Odds: 66/1

First Game: Vs UCD (Belfield Bowl – Fri 7^th March 2014)