Alan Reynolds says Bohemians must dig deep and give everything in their final seven games of the season to make the platform they have given themselves count for something.
The league returns from the international break with Bohs in second with just five points separating them and sixth place.
Derry City, in third place and just one point behind Bohs, are the visitors to Dalymount Park as Reynolds is demanding that players and supporters alike set the tone from the start.
Reynolds, who along with assistant Stephen O’Donnell and coach Derek Pender, this week signed a new contract until the end of the 2027 season, said: “We are at the business end of the season now. We have got ourselves in a good position through hard work and determination.
“There can be no let-up in that, in fact we need to work harder and be smarter to stay there. There is a lot at stake and every team is in battle mode.
“This is one of the tightest leagues in a long time. Everyone is snapping at everyone else’s heels. There are five teams within touching distance of each other so we have to be ruthless in our approach to games.
“When the league is this tight, there will be twists and turns along the way. We know we can’t afford to look too far ahead. We can’t look beyond our next game, and we need everyone pulling their weight.
“Players, staff and fans all want the same thing so we need everyone facing in the same direction on and off the pitch to get where we want to be.”
Bohs come into this game without Dawson Devoy, who is suspended after accumulating his tenth yellow card of the season in the 0-0 draw away to Sligo Rovers a fortnight ago.
Losing such an important talisman is a blow and Reynolds has said his midfielders need to rise to the challenge and show what they are made of.
He said: “Everyone knows that Dawson has been a really important player for us this season. I’ve said it before but I don’t think there’s a better midfielder of his kind in the league.
“But we have real quality in our midfield beyond Dawson too. There’s real pace and creativity in there. Dawson has got all the plaudits this season and deservedly so but he’ll be the first to say that the players around him allow him to do what he does, and it’s up to those players to dig even deeper now. In all areas of the pitch, we need to be brave and be ruthless.”
This game could also see new signing Jubril Okedina come into contention. The centre-back signed a fortnight ago and comes in with a wealth of experience having made 140 first-team appearances for Cambridge United over the past five seasons.
Reynolds said: “Like all clubs, we gave the players a couple of days off after the Sligo game at the start of the international week but we were back in on the Thursday that week, raring to go.
“Having no game last week gave us a chance to have a good look at Jubril in training. It’s always a challenge for any player coming to us mid-season off the back of being off-season in England to adapt but he’s settled in well and looks sharp.
“He was on the PFA training camp and played games for them during that time so he’s really looking forward to getting started. He’s only 24 but he has played a lot of games at a good level for a player of his age, so we’re looking forward to getting him involved and seeing what he can offer.”
There has been very little between Bohs and Derry City in their three meetings this season. Both teams have won 1-0 at home and the most recent clash saw the sides play out a 1-1 draw at the Brandywell in July.
Reynolds said: “Derry are a good side. They have a lot of experience in there and they have players who can hurt teams. We know their strengths and they know ours.
“We came out of the last game disappointed that we didn’t win it but in reality there has been very little between the sides.
“But this time we are at home, and that needs to count for something. The players are all bursting to play and determined to kick on.
“After there being no game last week, I know and expect our fans will be in the same mindset – the place should be hopping and we want to deliver in front of our home crowd.”
Team news
Bohemians are without midfielder Dawson Devoy (suspended), while centre-back Jubril Okedina, signed a fortnight ago, could be in line for his debut.
Match ball sponsors
- Veggieberg: Coffee shops in Weybridge and Raynes Park, England.
- Marie Sherlock: Labour TD for Dublin Central, Marie is a Bohs member, who lives in Phibsborough. She is passionate about supporting grassroots football in Dublin and gets to Dalymount as much as possible.