Kenny named as Bohemians manager

Stephen Kenny was unveiled as the new manager of Bohemian FC at a press conference on Monday, following Pete Mahon's departure last week. 

'We are delighted'
Felim O’Reilly, Bohemians’ president, said: "At a meeting of the Bohemians committee, a decision was taken to appoint Stephen Kenny as manager. We are delighted that he accepted."

'Talent and resources'
"We are confident that given the talent and resources already here at Dalymount Park, allied to fulsome support and encouragement from all at Bohemians, Stephen Kenny will lead Ireland's champion club through many more exciting chapters in it's illustrious history," O'Reilly added.

Play-off zone
Kenny resigned as manager of Longford Town FC last Friday, less than 48 hours before his new club were to travel to Flancare Park for a league game. Bohemians lost that game 2-0 and, as a result, last season's double-winners currently occupy the promotion-relegation play-off zone.

European adventure
Kenny spent three years at Longford, where he took them up to the National League last season and, despite predictions that they would fall straight back down, he led them to the FAI Cup final, where they lost 1-0 to Bohemians, and into Europe for the first time in the club's history.

Poor form
Bohemians are hoping that their new man will lead the club out of trouble and back up the table. He replaces Pete Mahon, who took over from Roddy Collins during the summer. However, a run of one win in 13 games, culminating with the 2-0 defeat at home to St Patrick's Athletic FC, led to a section of the Dalymount Park crowd calling for Mahon to go.

Legal challenge
Kenny shook hands on a new three-year deal at Longford earlier this year, but nothing was signed. Longford are seeking compensation from Bohemians and will mount a legal challenge if none is forthcoming. O’Reilly said: "There has been considerable controversy with regards to the contract of Stephen Kenny. Our version is that there was no written contract between Stephen and Longford."

Ailing season
Meanwhile, Kenny has challenged his players to rise to the challenge of rescuing the club's ailing season, threatening to axe anyone who fails to perform on the pitch. He signed a contract keeping him at the club until the end of the 2003 season.

'Tremendous tradition'
Kenny said: "I'm delighted to have taken over as manager of Bohemians Football Club. It has a tremendous tradition." However, he warned his inherited squad of players that they would be shown the door if they did not uphold that tradition. This is the best club in the country, but the table doesn't lie. We are fourth from bottom, in the promotion-relegation play-off place and there is lot of hard work to be done.

"Committed and ambitious"
"I won't be patient with the players," Kenny added. "I can't tolerate a lack of professionalism and I only want players who are committed and ambitious, and want to make this the best club in Europe and a force in Europe. I've got to persuade the best players to stay, but they've got to persuade me that they want to stay with Bohemians and are hungry."