Mid-season review: Bohemians
Credit:
Season so far:
The season began with Bohs winning games even though they weren’t
playing well. A sure sign of Champions, we all thought. We waited for
the performances to improve to match the points yield. Instead,
results dipped to reflect the performances. Only four points off top
spot at the mid-season break they are still in contention, but we are
still waiting to see Championship form. A disappointing and slightly
mystifying season so far.
Biggest Strength: Bohs’ biggest strength is a central midfield that still carries the ruthless streak that all top sides need. Paul Keegan and Glen Cronin are a cruelly effective duo that can still provide a platform for a third title challenge. Always in the right place, always grimly efficient at snuffing out the hopes of their opponents, these two know how to win.
Biggest Weakness: Bohs’ biggest weakness to date has been a lack of creativity. Cretaro, Quigley, McGlynn and Higgins were all expected to add to their quota of artistes. Instead, in idle moments, the faithful find themselves wondering how Joseph N’do is getting on up at Sligo.
Manager: Pat Fenlon has been relatively calm in a season that would have severely tested a more reactionary man. He has refused to allow the media to dictate the mood at Dalymount Park and remains confident that his double Championship winning side can get to grips with a third title challenge. He may yet be proved right.
Star Player: Jason Byrne is not fancy or glamorous. He doesn’t adorn the front pages of gossip magazines and is unlikely to be appearing in any shampoo commercials. But he is one of footballs instinctive goal- scorers and it doesn’t seem to matter who he plays with or how the team around him performs. Put him on the pitch and watch him go. It’s a simple equation; Byrne = goals.
Where to improve for the rest of the Season: Bohemians are still right up there in terms of a league title challenge but their air of invincibility has gone. They need to get that back. Specific areas of improvement are required all over the pitch but most importantly the new elements of the side need to lock into the team dynamic and start producing the goods.
Mid-Term Rating: 6/10
Biggest Strength: Bohs’ biggest strength is a central midfield that still carries the ruthless streak that all top sides need. Paul Keegan and Glen Cronin are a cruelly effective duo that can still provide a platform for a third title challenge. Always in the right place, always grimly efficient at snuffing out the hopes of their opponents, these two know how to win.
Biggest Weakness: Bohs’ biggest weakness to date has been a lack of creativity. Cretaro, Quigley, McGlynn and Higgins were all expected to add to their quota of artistes. Instead, in idle moments, the faithful find themselves wondering how Joseph N’do is getting on up at Sligo.
Manager: Pat Fenlon has been relatively calm in a season that would have severely tested a more reactionary man. He has refused to allow the media to dictate the mood at Dalymount Park and remains confident that his double Championship winning side can get to grips with a third title challenge. He may yet be proved right.
Star Player: Jason Byrne is not fancy or glamorous. He doesn’t adorn the front pages of gossip magazines and is unlikely to be appearing in any shampoo commercials. But he is one of footballs instinctive goal- scorers and it doesn’t seem to matter who he plays with or how the team around him performs. Put him on the pitch and watch him go. It’s a simple equation; Byrne = goals.
Where to improve for the rest of the Season: Bohemians are still right up there in terms of a league title challenge but their air of invincibility has gone. They need to get that back. Specific areas of improvement are required all over the pitch but most importantly the new elements of the side need to lock into the team dynamic and start producing the goods.
Mid-Term Rating: 6/10
About Simon O'Gorman
Simon O'Gorman began reporting for Extratime in 2010. He remembers Milltown and Flower Lodge and, back in the mists of time, saw Diego Maradona play at Lansdowne Road. He now lives in Co Kildare and … View Full Profile