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Irish Daily Mirror
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Bohs' John Mountney says Gypsies have belief 'to achieve something this year'
John Mountney feels Bohemians have only won half the battle. They are winning hearts and minds around Dalymount Park again, after putting their early season struggles behind them to surge up to second in the having clinched five league titles during Dundalk's golden era under Stephen Kenny, Mountney knows a thing or two about what's needed to drive success. And he has warned that Bohs' 2-0 derby win over leaders Shamrock Rovers on Monday will count for nothing if they don't follow up against Sligo Rovers said: 'When lads are put together in a new team, you have to win a few games to really build belief and momentum and I think that's happened now. There's something good here and it was coming. Dalymount is a fortress and you can hear it when things are going well. That was a big factor, getting the crowd behind us. I think we've been doing that and especially with the high energy (style of play).' Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. But Dalymount wasn't always a beacon of positivity this season, and particularly so when manager Alan Reynolds was under fire with the team unable to win at home. It was an unwanted run that stretched back to last year and that pressure might have weighed heavy on a squad, particularly a young one like Mayo man Mountney, 32, hailed the character of those youngsters for riding it out and turning it around to the extent that Bohs could have a say in this title race.'There's strong characters in there, some very confident young lads that haven't much league experience but have big futures ahead of them,' he said. 'I just think it's a belief. You can get really down when you lose and things aren't going your way. And sometimes when it does go your way then it's about not getting too high. 'We've found that base and picked up results. It's a very grounded squad and we know we have to work hard every week. It'll be the same tonight - we have to put in the same performance against Sligo that we did on Monday, as they have the quality to turn you over.'Mountney is one of the most decorated players still playing in the league after a trophy laden spell at Dundalk, one laced with big European nights too. He still lives in Dundalk, commuting to Dublin on a daily basis having left the Lilywhites last year after a financial implosion that saw the club teeter on the brink of now, that ship has been steadied and Dundalk - under the management of his former team-mate Ciaran Kilduff - sit top of the First Division as they chase promotion. But Mountney fancied a new challenge at this stage of his career and didn't think twice when Bohemians came calling over the winter. Not when he considered the characters involved behind the scenes. Assistant manager Stephen O'Donnell was his Dundalk captain, not to mention his housemate for a period of time. And first-team coach Derek Pender was an old sparring partner, with Mountney enjoying numerous battles with the former Gypsies right-back and skipper.'You know the career 'Detzer' had with Bohs, so you know the characters and the type of people you're coming into, which is important for a player,' said Mountney. 'You want people to demand standards and do things right - and it's definitely done right here. We're all held accountable and that's the way it should be.'But when he signed in mid-November, Bohs fans must have wondered about Mountney considering he was just coming back from a second serious ACL said: 'One of my main things as a player was athleticism and coming back from the knees, the big thing was to make sure there was still athleticism in the legs. Thankfully, I still have that side of it and it's just about helping out and chipping in when you're called upon.'Keith Buckley and Rob Cornwall have come back (from ACLs) more recently. You see Keith to this day, first in the morning and last to leave in the gym. Looking after himself. I feel I'm over that stage. I've done all that rehab in my year at Dundalk, and now I'm just enjoying being back on the grass. (After games) I feel it in the morning, when I'm going for a walk with the little one, but I'm just glad to be playing and coming out with the right results like Monday.'Dalymount was rocking before, during and after that third win over the Hoops this year, and it was the perfect response to Friday's 2-1 defeat away to Waterford. Nine wins in 13 games is good going, so are Bohs title contenders, considering they have two games in hand over Rovers to try and eat into their nine-point lead?Mountney considered the question, and said: "It's too early to say. The games in hand are great, but you have to go and win them. Every game for us is massive. It's an up-and-coming team, there's a lot of good young talent here. We have to take it game-by-game but there's definitely real quality and a belief here for us to achieve something this year.' Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email.
The Irish Sun
27-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
John Mountney reveals secret behind Bohemians resurgence as he insists early struggles ‘didn't reflect where we were'
JOHN MOUNTNEY was never in any doubt that Bohemians would turn the corner — as he was sure they were always on the right road. Bohs face Sligo Rovers at Dalymount Park this evening buoyant from Advertisement 2 John Mountney, right, revealed the secret behind Bohemians' recent success Credit: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile 2 Bohs have won ten of their last 14 to sit second in the table Credit: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile It has been a remarkable turnaround for the Gypsies since the Bit O'Red last visited Dublin 7 on April 4. At the time, it was a clash of the bottom two after Bohs lost five of their first seven matches. And 14 games on, Alan Reynolds' team have still not drawn a game. Ten wins have seen them rocket up the table to where they are now seen as title contenders. But Mountney — a winter signing from football — was always confident this run would come. Advertisement Read More on Bohemians He said: 'I didn't think the position reflected where we were. 'We had a strong squad but hadn't found a settled XI. 'As the season's gone on, we've picked up results. There's still not been a settled XI as such, which just shows the quality in the squad. 'And of course you have to go and win a few games with a new team and lads came together to really build belief and momentum.' Advertisement Most read in Sport But Mountney knows a first win of the year at Dalymount Park — against He added: 'It was coming. It was just about getting a win. Colm Whelan shakes fourth official's hand during Bohemians clash against Shamrock Rovers 'It was just a case of once we got our win, this place is a fortress. You can hear it when things are going well, so that's a big factor as well, is getting the crowd behind. 'I just think it's down to belief. Advertisement 'You get really down when you lose and things aren't going your way. 'And sometimes when it goes your way, then it's about not getting too high. 'We've found that sort of base now and have picked up results. 'It's a very grounded squad and we know that we have to work hard every week.' Advertisement Despite their lofty position, the veteran Bohs defender, 32, insists that his side are not title challengers just yet. But that is only because he refuses to look at the table at this stage of the season. Mountney explained: 'It's too early to say it like that. Even if 'The gap would have been bigger. Advertisement 'The games in hand are obviously great but you have to go and win them as well. Every game is massive for us. 'It's an up-and-coming team and there's a lot of good young talent here. 'We have to take it game by game but there's definitely a belief and there's definitely real quality for us to achieve something this year. 'It'll be the same against Sligo. Advertisement 'We have to put in the same performance or they could have the quality to turn us over.'
Herald Sun
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Sapphire Coast preview, best bets, inside mail for Sunday, June 8, 2025
Trainer Anthony Mountney is banking on King Charles' love of the Sapphire Coast track to overcome a jump in grade and a tricky inside draw. King Charles has built a strong record on the southern New South Wales track with two wins, two seconds and fourth from five starts. His charged home to win two runs ago before a second to The Unique Star who has since won at Warwick Farm during the week. While those two runs were in Benchmark 58 races over 1007m and 1010m respectively, he steps up to 1212m in the Benchmark 66 Handicap where he drawn barrier 1. 'He really does race well at the track,' said Mountney. 'The wetter the better it would be for him. I would look for a really wet track somewhere else for him but he just enjoys the track there so much. 'There is a bit of speed in this race so that should allow him to get off the fence. 'The draw down low in the gates isn't ideal for him. He's a horse who likes to come out wider down the centre of the track. 'He's a funny horse. He's got form over 1000 metres and two wins over a mile but hasn't got anything in between. 'He is strong late and has won on the soft there before including two starts back although he is a heavy track specialist. 'His confidence is up and I expect him to run well. He just needs to get away from the rail.' While Mountney would love the track to be in the heavy range for King Charles, it's the opposite for stablemate Vis I Do who would appreciate a dry track. The five-year-old failed on the wet at his only run at the Sapphire Coast two starts ago before a solid length second behind Grinzinger Moon on a Good 4 at Albury last time out. 'He failed at his last start here because it was a heavy track and he just doesn't handle wet tracks,' he said. 'I took him to Albury and I thought he ran a fabulous race back on top of the ground. 'He didn't get to follow the right horse into the race while the leader was doing it's own thing. 'With the right run into it, I think he could have stretched the winner.' That was over 1175m but the gelding drops back a little in trip when he lines up in the Class 3 Handicap (1010m) although Mountney isn't too concerned. 'He is coming back in trip but I don't think that will worry him,' he said. 'I have kept him very fresh and his work has been super.' Mountney also has two three-year-olds making their race debut together in the Super Maiden Handicap (1212m) and expects both to acquit themselves very well. Luminesce rolled forward to take the lead and held on to win her first barrier trial at Kembla on May 12 before sitting back and wide when last without being pushed in her second heat on Wednesday. 'She is a filly with a fair bit of quality and one we have had a fair bit of time for,' Mountney said. 'Naturally she is still learning and can do things wrong. 'If she has her mind on the job, she will be very strong in this race.' Pancake Pete also had his only trial at Kembla on May 12 when held into the straight when fifth. 'He's has been working particularly well at home with Jacob's Time. He breezed up lovely on Friday morning,' he said. 'He will probably be the longest odds of all my horses but he is worth a little each-way bet.' ADAM SHERRY'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 5 No. 8: VEGAS DREAM Winner and a close second in his two runs at the track and distance. NEXT BEST Race 3 No. 4: LOAFER Nice second at her NSW debut and can go one better. VALUE BET Race 7 No. 1: OWN THEM Brazilian Derby and Hong Kong 2000m winner. Will appreciate the step up in trip and drop in grade. QUADDIE Race 4: 1, 2, 3, 5 Race 5: 2, 8 Race 6: 3, 4, 11 Race 7: 1, 4, 5 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW RICHARD BENSLEY looks a good chance to land a winning double. INSIDE MAIL – SAPPHIRE COAST RACE 1: BEGA CUP 2 DAY CARNIVAL JAN 31 - FEB 1 2026 COUNTRY BOOSTED MAIDEN PLATE 1413m VIVEK (6) ran a handy third over 1300m at Moruya first-up then was checked a couple of times in the straight losing his momentum when seventh over 1410m here on May 4. Dropped back to 1010m and was wide throughout when seventh here three weeks later. Back to 1413m suits. CONJOIN (1) is backing up from a well beaten 10th at Goulburn last week. Has placed five times including a half-length third on a Soft 7 here. IDEELIC (2) will improve off his first-up fourth over 1280m on the Canberra Acton track on May 23. Bet: Vivek to win RACE 2: SAPPHIRE COAST WEDDINGS AND EVENTS MAIDEN PLATE 1010m SESTO (2) raced greenly on debut when fifth to the progressive Sparklenglitter who remain unbeaten in three starts. Raced outside the leader and boxed on for third to Consorting One over this track and distance three weeks ago. MCTOMINAY (1) is on debut. Was second in two Victorian jumpouts before moving to the Luke Pepper stable. Led all-the-way to win his trial here on May 18. MOVER AND SHAKER (6) appreciated a drop back in trip and to country grade when a closing fifth at Canberra last start before a spell. Wasn't pushed when fourth in his recent Kembla trial. Bet: Sesto to win RACE 3: SCHUTE BELL BADGERY LUMBY & MONARO WOOL CLASS 3 HANDICAP 1010m LOAFER (4) changed stables mid-preparation and made her NSW debut for the Scott Collings yard with a half-length second behind Choice Witness at Corowa on May 19. Drawn well here and can go one better. CYCLONE RUPERT (2) has been on the heels of the placegetters at his last four starts, the latest a fourth behind A Pound Of Salt in a 1200m TAB Highway at Randwick two weeks ago. Drops back to 1010m here but will figure prominently. MISS SCOOP (7) has a win and two placings from three runs here. Will be thereabouts again from the inside draw. Bet: Loafer to win RACE 4: BRISTOL PAINTS PAMBULA SUPER MAIDEN HANDICAP 1212m SHE'S IN OVERDRIVE (3) began fairly from the inside gate and settled down a little worse than midfield before working home for second behind Consorting One over 1010m on debut here on may 18. Will be better for the experience and looks like she will appreciate the step up to 1212m. INCHYRA (2) ran in the Super Maiden here over this distance that same day and closed nicely through the pack from last to finish second behind Platinum Ridge. Drawn to settle closer. LUMINESCE (5) was good winning her May 12 trial at Kembla and wasn't pushed in her heat there on Wednesday. Bet: She's In Overdrive to win RACE 5: BRISTOL PAINTS PAMBULA SUPER MAIDEN HANDICAP 1212m VEGAS DREAM (8) led all-the-way to beat Star Bling over this track and distance on a Heavy 9 before returning a month later with a nose second behind Capital Heart. Stepped up in grade when sixth behind Equilibrist. Drawn ideally. CAPITAL HEART (2) resumed from a spell without an official trial with that all-the-way win from Vegas Dream. Raced in TAB Highways last campaign including a two length sixth to Everido and Sunchyme at Kembla on The Gong Day. KING CHARLES (14) loves racing at this track where he has two wins over 1000m, two seconds and a fourth. Yet to place in seven runs at the 1200m but has won over 1600m. Bet: Vegas Dream to win RACE 6: SAPPHIRE COAST BUSLINES BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1413m MAJOR DESIRE (11) hadn't placed in three first-up runs until kicking off this preparation with a length second behind the in-form Hell Of A Fox over 1212m here three weeks ago. Will appreciate stepping up in distance. Runner-up at his only other run here over this trip. PLATINUM RIDGE (4), the half-brother to stakes winner Opal Ridge, was given a long spell after a debut seventh at Muswellbrook last July. Worked forward to lead and held out Inchyra to score by a length when resuming here three weeks ago. KOTAICHI (3) raced wide when down the track in the Highway at Hawkesbury two run ago before a fourth to Hell Of A Fox at Goulburn last start. Bet: Major Desire each-way RACE 7: SUPERIOR OYSTERS COUNTRY BOOSTED BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1613m OWN THEM (1) found the 1200m too short when resuming in a Bm 74 at Wagga on May 2. The Brazilian Derby winner came to Australia via Hong Kong where he was a winner over 2000m and won at his first start here in a Bm 66 over 1300m at Goulburn. Will appreciate the step up to the mile and drop back in grade. REMADOSI (4) was beaten less than three lengths by Dupli Kate in the MTC Guineas at Wagga before a short half head second to Naval Officer at Parkes. EVOKES (5) closed strongly from near last to win comfortably here two runs back. Made up a lot of ground at Goulburn last start. Bet: Own Them each-way
