The Title Contenders - Bohemians
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
In the two horse race at the top of the League of Ireland Premier Division, extratime.ie reporter Frankie Lally takes a look at Bohemian’s chances of snatching the league.
Bohemians
Manager: Pat Fenlon
Current position: (Start of season prediction) 2 (1)
Home-ground: Dalymount Park
Top Scorer: Jason Byrne (20)
Star Man: Brian Shelley - Since signing from Drogheda in pre-season Shelly has become a key part of the Bohemians defence. Whether playing at right-back or centre-half Shelly has put in some outstanding performances this season. The ex-Hoop has also developed a formidable partnership with centre-back partner Ken Oman and this is a huge reason why Bohs have the meanest defence in the league.
Story So Far: After running away with the league title last season Bohemians have had a much tougher time this season. At the beginning of the season Bohs were involved in a total of five tournaments. They won the League Cup last month after they defeated Waterford United at the RSC, were knocked out in the Champions League after an agonising defeat against Red Bull Salzburg and knocked out in the quarter finals of the FAI Cup by Sligo Rovers.
However, with four games to go, Bohs still remain in with a chance of winning back-to-back titles despite losing an amazing seven games this season and being two points behind table toppers Shamrock Rovers. Despite the ominous task that lies before them, Bohs boss Pat Fenlon still believes his squad can go and win the league title, even if it is against the odds.
“I think we still have a great chance of winning it to be honest,” explained Fenlon. “We’ve been there or there abouts before and we know what it’s like and that will stand to us. There is still a lot to play for. I think there will still be a few twists and turns yet. When you’ve won eight league titles as a player and a manger, you learn how they’re won.”
Bohs, like Rovers still have some very tough games left. The Gypsies travel to Cork next Friday while Rovers still face trips to Dundalk and Inchicore on the last day of the season to take on St Patrick’s Athletic. However, Pat Fenlon points out these are not the type of games Bohs have lost this season. “Everyone keeps talking about how we have to go to Cork and how Rovers have tough away games too, but that’s being disrespectful to the other teams,” Fenlon stated.
Bohs had a huge gap of seven points at one stage in the season and if they do let this league title slip from their once so strong hold they may just wonder where it all went wrong. One thing is for certain, though, we are in for an exciting couple of weeks as two of Ireland’s fiercest rivals battle it out to be crowned champions. This one may go all the way down to the wire on November 6th.
Remaining Fixtures: Cork City (A), St. Patrick’s Athletic (H),Galway United (A),Sligo Rovers (H), Bray Wanderers (A)
Verdict: Champions. Despite their uphill task, I think they have the experience and class to overcome Shamrock Rovers.
Bohemians
Manager: Pat Fenlon
Current position: (Start of season prediction) 2 (1)
Home-ground: Dalymount Park
Top Scorer: Jason Byrne (20)
Star Man: Brian Shelley - Since signing from Drogheda in pre-season Shelly has become a key part of the Bohemians defence. Whether playing at right-back or centre-half Shelly has put in some outstanding performances this season. The ex-Hoop has also developed a formidable partnership with centre-back partner Ken Oman and this is a huge reason why Bohs have the meanest defence in the league.
Story So Far: After running away with the league title last season Bohemians have had a much tougher time this season. At the beginning of the season Bohs were involved in a total of five tournaments. They won the League Cup last month after they defeated Waterford United at the RSC, were knocked out in the Champions League after an agonising defeat against Red Bull Salzburg and knocked out in the quarter finals of the FAI Cup by Sligo Rovers.
However, with four games to go, Bohs still remain in with a chance of winning back-to-back titles despite losing an amazing seven games this season and being two points behind table toppers Shamrock Rovers. Despite the ominous task that lies before them, Bohs boss Pat Fenlon still believes his squad can go and win the league title, even if it is against the odds.
“I think we still have a great chance of winning it to be honest,” explained Fenlon. “We’ve been there or there abouts before and we know what it’s like and that will stand to us. There is still a lot to play for. I think there will still be a few twists and turns yet. When you’ve won eight league titles as a player and a manger, you learn how they’re won.”
Bohs, like Rovers still have some very tough games left. The Gypsies travel to Cork next Friday while Rovers still face trips to Dundalk and Inchicore on the last day of the season to take on St Patrick’s Athletic. However, Pat Fenlon points out these are not the type of games Bohs have lost this season. “Everyone keeps talking about how we have to go to Cork and how Rovers have tough away games too, but that’s being disrespectful to the other teams,” Fenlon stated.
Bohs had a huge gap of seven points at one stage in the season and if they do let this league title slip from their once so strong hold they may just wonder where it all went wrong. One thing is for certain, though, we are in for an exciting couple of weeks as two of Ireland’s fiercest rivals battle it out to be crowned champions. This one may go all the way down to the wire on November 6th.
Remaining Fixtures: Cork City (A), St. Patrick’s Athletic (H),Galway United (A),Sligo Rovers (H), Bray Wanderers (A)
Verdict: Champions. Despite their uphill task, I think they have the experience and class to overcome Shamrock Rovers.
About Frankie Lally
Frankie Lally writes for a number of publications. You can contact Frankie on Twitter at @FrankieLally
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