Bohemians bring squad up to 21

The managerial team of Aaron Callaghan and Owen Heary have signed up a total of twenty-one players for the 2013 season as Bohemians head into Christmas with a solid foundation for their playing squad.

The Gypsies will be glad to have tied down the experienced Dave Mulcahy for another term while assistant manager Heary joins the squad on a playing basis once more. Kevin Devaney and Karl Moore have also agreed terms to extend their stays at Dalymount Park.

A familiar face joining from north Dublin rivals is Shelbourne's Dean Delany. The thirty-two year old 'keeper joins after five seasons with the Reds.

Chris Lyons is the only other new face from an Airtricity League side, as he joins from UCD. The nineteen-year old striker joined the Students from Belvedere in the summer of 2011.

Darragh Hanaphy makes the journey south to Phibsboro; his last club being the now liquidated Newry City.

Niall Forrester and Conor O'Brien make up the last of the new signings; the former joining from Sacred Heart while O'Brien, who is the son of former assistant manager Liam O'Brien, is returning from a brief spell in the United States to re-join the Gypsies.

Bohemians also welcome Paul Somers, who joins as chief scout. Somers, who managed the St. Patrick's Athletic under-19 team, possesses a UEFA “A” license.

The Bohemians squad in full: Ryan McEvoy, Derek Pender, Luke Byrne, Keith Buckley, Greg Murray, Michael Barker, Dave Scully, Roberto Lopes, Stephen Traynor, Andy Mulligan and John O’Connor, Ciaran Nangle, Dean Delany, Darragh Hanaphy, Niall Forrester, Conor O'Brien, Owen Heary, Chris Lyons, Dave Mulcahy, Kevin Devaney, Karl Moore.

Speaking about his squad, Callaghan seemed rather upbeat: “We can no longer compete with most of the teams in the league as far as budget is concerned, but with most of the squad having played here last season they will have the confidence to go out and express themselves on the pitch and play football the Bohemian way.”

“I know the fans appreciated last season the way we tried to play football and the support was phenomenal. The backing of the fans meant so much to the dressing room especially when we didn’t do well. We have already arranged two warm-up games against Longford and Athlone in Dalymount.”

Manager Aaron Callaghan has expressed his hope of signing several more players to the squad before training begins in mid-January.