SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Bohemians v Finn Harps (tonight, 7.45pm)
BATTLING Finn Harps will be hoping that the appointment of former Derry City boss Declan Devine as the new manager of Bohemians won’t give the Dublin club a lift when the sides meet at Dalymount Park this evening.
Relegation-threatened Harps badly need to get something out of this game as they continue their quest to clinch the promotion/relegation play-off berth.
For mid-table Bohemians, this is an opportunity for Devine to start tinkering with what he has and it is quite clear that there will be a big clear-out come the end of the season.
Horgan has been rolling out the not unexpected cliches about “having to fight tooth and nail” and how each of the remaining games are “cup finals”.
They have just three games left to avoid automatic relegation, which is the fate for the season that finishes bottom.
They are only above UCD on goal difference, and the latter have a game in hand.
But given Harps’ greater hunger than Bohs - who have little to play for, other than to impress the new manager, and disgruntled fans - this may well represent an opportunity for the Donegal club to get something from the game.
Ethan Boyle returns from suspension and the hope is that star striker Eric McWoods may have recovered from his hamstring injury.
Inishowen man Mark Timlin could get some rare game time, and would dearly love to get on the scoresheet as he did when the sides played out a 2-2- thriller in the capital back in April.
Harps have won just once on the road this season - against Shelbourne - and have managed to collect just six points on their travels. In the two other meetings with Bohemians this season, one ended 1-1 while Bohemians won the other fixture, 2-0.
Meanwhile, Devine is hoping he can breathe new life into Bohemians and his own managerial career, having parted company with the candy stripes in 2021 following a poor start to the season.
Devine said: “I am 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 want to put together a squad that has an identity with its people and its supporters. The players need to reflect that.
“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.
“No team should be coming to Dalymount Park and winning except Bohemians. It is as simple as that,” he told the club website.
Yesterday, Devine made his first signing. Club legend Keith Buckley, who made over 300 appearances, has penned a three-year deal and will be captain for the 2023 season when he returns from Australia.
Harps go into the game without a win in six; inconsistent Bohemians have won three and lost three of their last six.
