Alan Reynolds reveals Bohemians' new strategy for upcoming transfer window, a different approach to last season

The Irish Sun

2 days ago

ALAN REYNOLDS revealed that any summer shopping is likely to be done at home rather than abroad.
Bohemians host Derry City tomorrow looking for a win that would mean at least third place by the midway point in the Premier Division campaign.
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A lot of work for Alan Reynolds over the 'break'
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Bohs will be without Sean Grehan who is returning to Crystal Palace after his loan
And with the transfer window just a month away, Rennie acknowledged that his phone will start buzzing soon.
Bohs already know that on-loan defender Seán Grehan will be returning to Crystal Palace, and Reynolds predicts others may also depart.
But while keen to strengthen, he admitted that he will look around the League of Ireland as players arriving from the UK are out of season and take time to get fit.
That proved an issue last term when Bohemians' form suffered, though they are reaping the benefits this term instead.
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Reynolds said: 'We signed four or five and it was extremely difficult for them.
'Ross Tierney and Dawson Devoy being two, Leigh Kavanagh — it took us ages to get them up to speed and then they were breaking down with niggles and the season ends.
"It's only when we got a big pre-season into them . . . and that's why we came back early, for the likes of those. It's a challenge and something you need to be careful of.
'I'd also say that the players want to stay in the UK first before coming, so we'll see then if players in this country become available.'
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But the boss knows the work will begin soon if it has the potential to ruin his short mid-season holiday.
Rennie joked: 'It's nice to go away but the f***ing phone will be going non-stop!
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'Last year we were trying to sign Ross Tierney, so this was all going on over this period and everyone was cracking up.
'We got it done eventually but that was nearly my full summer break last year — but it was worth it.'
And while he suspects his phone will keep ringing, he has told his own players to switch off and recharge — but not overdo it either. His squad may have six days off after tomorrow, but there are demands.
The players will be weighed before they depart and will still have fitness programmes to keep up.
Drill sergeant Reynolds explained: 'We have spoken to them about these things. I suppose it's just to threaten them a little bit and behave themselves.
'They are young lads. I think we have all done it, so they need to relax.'
And the Dalymount supremo admits his ideas of fitness have changed since he was a player.
BACK IN MY DAY
Reynolds, 50, said: 'When I was playing for Waterford, I was working on the drinks lorry, delivering drink.
'It was like my gym exercise, going upstairs with crates of drink, beer, whatever. That was my gym stuff and I didn't know it at the time!
'But now it's changed so much. In fairness when I signed for Shelbourne with Pat Fenlon, it was starting to come in, gym stuff and whatever.
'You have to read the room as well as a manager, reading the room to see what works and what doesn't.'
But before Bohs head off, he is keen that they wrap up the first half of the season with a victory that would make it seven wins from the last nine, after just three in the opening nine.
Rennie, a former Derry City No 2, added: 'The first series of games wasn't good enough. We played well at times and we were bad at times. The points total wasn't good enough with three wins.
'We have improved and I think confidence is everything.
'We have a way of playing and players have grown into it and have had a good second series of games — but it will be a really good one if we win on Friday.
'We are finding that level of consistency but Derry are a tough test looking at a lot of their games.
'They are really good and we know what we're facing.'