Declan Devine has a long-term goal to restore Bohemians to the top of the tree - but for now will settle on being hard to beat.
The former Derry City boss has today been appointed as Keith Long’s successor at Dalymount Park on a two-year deal.
It brings an end to a six-week saga in which a host of figures were linked with the post including Alan Reynolds, Ian Ryan, Vinny Perth and Richard Dunne.
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Devine will look on at Richmond Park tonight when Bohs face St Pat’s but won’t officially take charge until Monday ahead of next Friday’s clash with Finn Harps.
The 49-year-old is back in League of Ireland management for the first time since parting ways with the Candystripes in April 2021.
Devine has yet to reveal his backroom team but said: “The opportunity to lead this football club is something that really excites me.
“It gives me so much pride. It is a proud moment for my family too. But we don't have time to celebrate.
“I have a job to do and I’ll be immersing myself in moving to Dublin and it will be full pelt from Monday.
“I’m going to do everything in my power to ensure this club is back where it belongs and, for me, that means Bohs being back at the top of the table.
“I’m a working class guy from a working class background. My ultimate goal has always been to work as hard as I possibly can to achieve success.
“I want our players and staff to follow the same mantra. I want us to do everything in our power to bring success to this club.
“I want to put together a squad that has an identity with its people and its supporters. The players need to reflect that.”
Bohs have underperformed all season and the squad is in need of a rebuild, with Devine using the remaining games of the season to assess his options.
“I want to speak to all the staff and get their opinions about where things have gone wrong and where things have gone right,” he said.
‘I want to make sure that we put the structures in place to enable us to get back to the very top of Irish football.
“I want to win trophies. 2010 is the last time that Bohemian Football Club won a trophy and that is far too long for a club of this size, stature and support base.
“But the first thing we need to do is become hard to beat. This year I watched from the outside looking in and games were lost that Bohemians should not be losing.
“We’ve got to have a DNA that we’re going to be the fittest, hardest-working club in the country.
“No team should be coming to Dalymount Park and winning except Bohemians. It is as simple as that: We've got to have a heart and soul about the team.”
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