Adam McDonnell can’t wait to play in front of his pals next season when he wears the black and red of Bohemians - and fire the Gypsies to European qualification.
The Blanchardstown native has signed from Sligo Rovers on a ‘multi-year’ deal.
The 25-year-old began his professional career with Shelbourne in 2014 before moving to England where he lined out for Ipswich Town, Aldershot and Boreham Wood.
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He said: “Declan (Devine) didn’t need to sell the club to me. I know so much about it already.
“I’m from Blanch myself, and a lot of people out my way are Bohs fans. I have friends who are fans of the club and have friends who played for the club.
"When I was younger, and when I was away in England, I always looked out for the club’s results.
“But Declan has told me the plans for next year, going full-time, and obviously that made it even easier to sign.
“The club is better than where it finished in the league this season, so Declan has come in and wants to change that.
“We know what we want to do next year. We want to get our heads down and get Europe. There is no reason why we can’t do that.
“When I saw Keith Buckley coming back to the club and James Talbot re-signing, for me they were massive signings. It is a great start.
"I know JT from when we were kids at Home Farm and Tolka Rovers so I know him really well and how talented he is. He’ll be like a new signing for the club.
“I work hard and I play with my heart. I like to put my foot in, but at the same time I am creative, calm on the ball, and have a tenacious side that you need in this league.
“So for me, I am just looking forward to getting my head down and cracking on, and I can’t wait to play in front of a packed Dalymount next season.”
New Bohs boss Devine, who has also brought Keith Buckley back to the club, hailed his latest arrival.
He said: “It was refreshing to sit down with a player who is so really keen to get on board with this club.
“He is hard-working, technically-gifted, has had a great year with Sligo Rovers, fits the profile of the player I want to bring to the club, and he can’t wait to get started.
“I am delighted to get him in and I am really looking forward to working with him.”
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