Callaghan deal at Bohs confirmed

Bohemians' manager Aaron Callaghan has agreed a new two-year deal with the Phibsborough club for their 2013 and 2014 Premier Division campaigns.

Callaghan took over the job at Dalymount Park at the beginning of the 2012 season. He had previously had spells managing Crusaders, Athlone Town and Longford Town and also had coaching roles at UCD and St. Patrick’s Athletic.

His debut season saw Bohs have a respectable 7^th place finish in the league. Their league campaign included a 4-0 trouncing of their fierce Southside rivals, Shamrock Rovers. Callaghan also saw his team create a bit of history as they managed to get their first win against Rovers at Tallaght Stadium, a result which ultimately led to that club parting with their manager Stephen Kenny.

The contract agreed with Callaghan will also see Owen Heary stay on as assistant manager for the next two years. Speaking to the Evening Herald, the Bohs manager indicated that his plans for the 2013 season are well under way.

“We have agreed a two-year contract extension which is good news as it will give the club and the squad stability”, he said.

“And once I have a budget in place I can start finalising a deal for the players as I’d like to keep most of last season’s squad intact.”

The club have confirmed that Luke Byrne, Michael Baker, Keith Buckley, Dave Scully, Ryan McEvoy, Derek Pender, Greg Murray, Roberto Lopes, Stephen Traynor, Andy Mulligan and John O’Connor have all already committed to the club for the 2013 season. 

Also, they have announced that former UCD left back Ciaran Nangle has joined the club. However, Callaghan will have to plan without Kevin Feely who has joined Charlton Athletic. In a statement released by the club they confirmed that “Bohemian FC has this week also agreed terms with Charlton Athletic for the transfer of defender Kevin Feely. His move will take effect from the 1^st January 2013, when the English Football League Championship transfer window opens”. The club also seems likely to be without Evan McMillan for the 2013 season as a number of clubs are pursuing his signature.

Bohemian’s club president Chris Brien expressed his delight with the reappointment of their management team. “We’re very happy that Aaron and Owen will be with us again next season. They achieved so much in difficult circumstances in the 2012 season. Having their services gives us continuity in the rebuilding project that has started so well”, he said.