Keith Buckley challenges Bohemians to 'push on' as he signs new deal for 2019

Globetrotting Bohemians midfielder Keith Buckley has signed a new deal with the Phibsboro club and has challenged his teammates to ‘push on’ in 2019.

The Gypsies won plaudits for their campaign last year when, despite dropping a place in the table to sixth, they reached an FAI Cup semi-final and brought through a number of promising youngsters.

Amid the green shoots at Dalymount Park came the return of the energetic Buckley following a one-year sojourn in Wicklow with Bray Wanderers.

The 25-year-old Pearse Street native made 29 appearances on his return to Dalyer, scoring once in the league, and helped the club to the quarter-finals of the IRN-Bru Cup as well as an FAI Cup semi.

“I had actually agreed things for next season with Keith Long a few weeks ago but then I went travelling for a month so I’m glad to finally sign officially,” Buckley told the club’s website.

“It’s an exciting place to be at and there is a great buzz around the place. You appreciate what we have here as a club and with our supporters even more having been away for the year.

“I personally want to push on. I’m still only 26 but I’ve played over 180 times for Bohs and over 200 games in the league, so I feel that I can have a lot to offer with my experience.”

He added: “We’ve lost a couple of experienced players, which is obviously a blow, so it’s up to the likes of myself to push on further and help fill that void.

“While we’ve lost players, we’ve brought in some really exciting ones too. Keith has a great eye for a young player and he’s shown that over the last few seasons.

“To be honest I’m a bit jealous of the young lads coming here! I’d love to be 18 or 19 again and coming in and learning from Keith and Trevor Croly.



“There’s no doubt in my mind that we can continue to progress as a team under [Keith].”