AXED: Fenlon is force to cut all his backroom
By Neil O'Riordan
Bohemians chief Pat Fenlon has been forced to axe his ENTIRE backroom staff because of the club's financial woes.
Assistant boss Liam O'Brien, goalkeeping coach Dermot O'Neill, scout Dave Henderson, physio Tony McCarthy, masseur Keith Browne and kitman Colin O'Connor were all told they would not be kept on.
As it stands, no out-of-contract player will be re-signed either as Bohs slash their budget in a bid to cope with debts of more than €5.5 million.
It is hardly ideal preparation before tomorrow night's final league games against Dundalk.
But Fenlon said: "As disappointing as losing to Galway last week was, it has been more difficult to tell my staff that they are being let go. There's an impression that they were earning a lot of money, that's not true. But they were very loyal and very good in the three years I've been here. They've done more than they've probably needed to. They've all contributed greatly but I've had to tell them that after Friday, they can't be kept on. It's very disappointing and a bit disillusioning. Despite that, we'll prepare in the same way for this game as we would any other. That's what's so sad because they're great professionals who will do their work. They'll do everything to prepare the players to try to win the game."
Bohs look to have thrown away a third successive title by losing to Galway last week. Fenlon added: "Last Friday was very disappointing but if you look over a season, that's when a league is won and lost. The only thing was we had a second chance last week and we didn't take it. Whether we get a third chance, time will tell. We will be professional and try to finish the season off on a high. We want to get our pride back and to get three points, if that brings something extra, great, if it doesn't we'll deal with it."
A goalkeeper crisis has been averted as Barry Murphy has recovered from the groin injury which forced him off in the 3-2 loss to Galway and will start as Chris O'Connor is suspended.
Bookmarks