Bohemians rely on youth in 2012

New Bohs boss Aaron Callaghan was unveiled to the media on Thursday in Dalymount Park in a press conference where he talked about the upcoming season and the playing squad that will line out in the red and black this year. Owen Heary, now in his new role as player/assistant coach, was also present at the conference.

At first Callaghan spoke about his priorities for the 2012 season. His number one target had been to secure the signatures of eight of the young players who had broken into the first team last year. He said he was well underway in executing this, as seven of those had signed back with the club.

Although Callaghan didn’t want to name those eight players, he did mention some other players that have already signed for the club. John O’Connor and Neil Harney will both be Gypsies players this year, both of whom are former St. Pat’s under 19s players. O’Connor impressed in Tuesday night’s encounter with a PFAI XI with two goals, and signed after the game. Danny Joyce also returns to Bohemians, after he had a few months on loan from Reading at the club during the first half of last season.

Alongside these will be some even younger players, coming through the ranks in the Bohs under 19s team. Callaghan told reporters that the under 19s have a game coming up this weekend, after which they are “definitely going to promote four or five of those” into the first team.

The other priority for Callaghan this season was security regarding the club’s monetary difficulties. “The financial situation at the club is well documented. Consolidation in the league is paramount.” As a result of this, when asked if Bohs were in a position to compete for one or two more experienced players in the league, Callaghan replied, “No, basically.”

“It’s very difficult to compete with the salaries that are being offered at the moment. I think the policy of the club now is to identify players around 17 to 23 years old, that age bracket, and bring them into the club.” Despite saying this, Aaron did mention the possibility of bringing some experience to the club with some sort of coaching responsibilities included, but anybody coming to the club won’t be doing so “for financial gain.”

Regarding the Bohemians senior squad of last year, Callaghan told the reporters present that no senior (bar Owen Heary) player would be staying with the club for this year. Only the amateurs from last year who were promoted from the youth team will remain. The rest have either found new clubs or are looking for other clubs. Earlier today, former Bohs striker Anto Flood signed with League Two side Southend United.

When discussing retaining and even signing new young players, Owen Heary explained that there wasn’t a reserve league in place anymore where they’d be likely to be given playing time. Rather, there is only an under 19s league. Heary told the press conference that one of the main attractions that Bohs can offer the country’s talented young players is playing time at a high level.

“They know they have a chance of playing. There is no reserve league so if you’re over 19 years of age and can’t get into a squad around the country, where do you play? You’ve a better chance at coming here [to Bohs] and playing. Any player that comes here is not going to be for financial reasons – it’s going to be to play for the jersey, and represent the club.”

Aaron Callaghan also spoke of the possibility of bringing in players from England on loan to the club. He suggested that if the club they come on loan from can continue to pay the player’s wages, then it would be an avenue he’d consider. Callaghan’s contacts in Britain include David Moyes, Sam Allardyce and Neil Lennon.

The emphasis on keeping and signing new young players will no doubt bode well for Bohs fans, most of whose top concern would be balancing the books at Dalymount Park.