By Paul Doyle
Bohemians boss Pete Mahon this afternoon confirmed the signing of former St. Patrick’s Atheltic centre-half Colin Hawkins from Doncaster Rovers.
"The deal is done. Colin will sign for us on Monday," Mahon told ireland.com, although he declined to specify the amount paid for the player.
Before the arrival of Hawkins, Mahon must try to rally his under-achieving team to beat Dundalk at Dalymount Park tomorrow night.
With only one win in their last 11 league games, the pressure is on the champions to take maximum points, and Mahon hopes to be able to field the same team that dominated, but only drew, in Monaghan last weekend.
"The team will be the same as last week," he said, "provided Dave Hill and Anthony Shevlin are fit in time. Anthony is suffering from a knee injury, while Dave got a bad kick on his instep which is very sore. But I’m hopeful both will be alright in time for tomorrow night".
Mahon has come in for mounting criticism from some Bohemians fans in recent weeks, but, although admitting opponents have been "upping their performances" when they take on the champions, he insists Bohemians season has not been the disaster some portray it as.
"I’ve been happy with most of our performances this season," he said. "Our disappointing results have been due to a combination of several factors. Firstly, we’ve had to play most of the season without three of our regular defenders, namely Avery John, Brian Shelley, and Simon Webb.
"Secondly, we haven’t been converting enough of our chances. And thirdly, on occasions, we’ve just lacked that small bit of good fortune".