STEPHEN KENNY’S name has been circling around social media as fans hope for the manager to get back into football.
Bohemians supporters have been pleading for the ex-Ireland manager to be the club’s number one choice to fill the now vacant role.
This afternoon, Bohemians announced that they had parted ways with Declan Devine in the wake of Friday night’s 2-0 defeat to Shelbourne.
Naturally, fans have immediately begun to speculate who will be the Gypsies’ next boss and Kenny has topped the wish list.
After being already successful in the League of Ireland with Dundalk, Kenny is the natural choice for fans due to his proven coaching ability.
The 52-year-old has been out of action since the FAI decided against keeping him as Ireland boss last November.
Bohemians fans have been flooding social media with shouts for Kenny to take the role at Dalymount Park.
One fan wrote: “Hope the best for Deccy in the future, he seemed a lovely fella, but this was a long time coming. Unlikely but Stephen Kenny would be the dream appointment.”
Another commented: “Stephen Kenny or we riot.”
A third added: “THERE IS ONLY ONE STEPHEN KENNY!”
Yet another said: “No excuses for Bohs to miss out (on Kenny).”
For the meantime at Bohs, former double winning manager Pat Fenlon has stepped in from his role as Director of Football on an interim basis.
He is the last Bohemians manager to win major silverware having led the club between 2008 and 2011 winning a double in his first season, a league title and League Cup in 2009 and Setanta Cup in 2010.
Appointed in October 2022, Devine guided the club to the top of the table 12 months ago but they struggled late in the season and missed out of Europe and lost the FAI Cup final to Pat’s.
Despite 12 new signings over the close season – with four of them signed just before the transfer window shut – they have had mixed results with just one win from their four games.
DEVINE GONE
Bohemians’ statement read: “Bohemian FC has today parted company with men’s first team manager Declan Devine.
“The Board of Bohemian FC wish to put on record our thanks to Declan for the commitment, determination and enthusiasm he brought to the club since being appointed to the role in October 2022.
“He oversaw the club’s transition back to full-time football and his efforts saw Bohs reach the FAI Cup final and narrowly miss out on qualification for Europe through the league last season.
“The club has also parted ways with assistant manager Gary Cronin, and the board also wish to thank him for his efforts since his appointment in November 2022.
“Director of Football Pat Fenlon will take charge of the team on an interim basis, assisted by first-team coach Derek Pender.”