Declan Devine feels Bohemians are already reconnecting with their fan base after an electric start to the season.
The Gypsies beat Dundalk 2-1 at a pulsating Dalymount Park last night with Jordan Flores and Declan McDaid on the scoresheet.
Both players were at the Gypsies last season when the club endured a season to forget and which promoted Devine’s appointment late in the campaign.
But with 12 new arrivals since the end of last season - and the retention of some others - Bohs have hit the ground running after wins over Cork City and Dundalk.
Devine said: "I listened back to last week’s game and people were talking about Cork and it's great how they've done so good being fan-owned.
“Well, this club is still fan-owned, still run by fans, people who give their hard-earned money and time.
“People were patting Cork on the back last week. What about Bohs who are also fan-owned?
“Other clubs might be selling themselves to England and all the rest, but this club won't sell its soul as it belongs to the people and the people will continue to run Bohemians.
“I’m just delighted for the players as they have put a lot of hard work in. It's very early and six points from six is great but there's still a lot of work to be done.
“We are only starting. Give us a stadium and we'll go and fill that.”
Bohs made a point of warming up directly in front of their singing section at Dalymount Park, at the far end of the Jodi Stand.
And it quickly got the fans onside with Devine added: “You want that connection between supporters, players, members.
“Our fans got us across the line as much as the players did and if we continue to do that, we'll make it a difficult place.
“I thought it was quiet in parts and we can't have that, even in the difficult moments in the game we've got to get our supporters right behind the team.
“We had (former manager) Turlough O'Connor in and people from the past talking about the fans and what they want.
“What the fans want is effort and commitment. They want to see a nice brand of football and we are working on that.
“But if we can add that work ethic to get over the line, win games at home, then we send our fans home happy and that's what the players demonstrated tonight.”
And Devine singled out Jonathan Afolabi for praise after the former Celtic striker led the line with a brilliant performance.
Devine said: “He scares people. He hasn't had the best of luck in his career but he's going to be a huge player for us going forward.
“With his work ethic, his ability to hold the ball up and give you a platform to build behind the ball, it's only a matter of time before he gets his goal.”
