Farrelly's reality bites

National League News and previewsGareth Farrelly got his first taste of the job he faces in invigorating Bohemians with the realisation that more than half his first-team squad are out of contract at the end of the season.

The former Irish international, who is 29 tomorrow, was yesterday formally unveiled as the club's new player/manager on a contract that runs until the end of the 2007 season.

With Gary Howlett, who will remain at the club as head coach, in caretaker charge once again, Farrelly will watch tonight's derby with Shamrock Rovers from the Dalymount Park stand and won't take full charge until after Monday's League Cup final at Longford Town.

While focusing on getting Bohemians into Europe on the field, the six-times capped Irish international's people skills will be tested to the full off it between now and the end of the season as he negotiates with 12 first-team players whose current deals are up in November.

Included amongst them are key components of the team: Glen Crowe, Kevin Hunt, Colin Hawkins, Dave Morrison, Stephen Caffrey and Bobby Ryan.

Farrelly admitted that, initially, he wasn't aware of the full extent of the personnel situation.

"Not to the level it was to start with," said Farrelly, "but as we spoke about it, I soon found out how that situation lay.

"It's one we are looking at addressing straight away. It's a huge challenge, but one I am looking forward to.

"The crux of what's here, the foundation that is in place is very, very good. That's one of the things that I've been impressed with from the start."

The financial loss, conservatively estimated at €100,000, of failing to get through a round in the UEFA Cup effectively cost Farrelly's predecessor Stephen Kenny his job.

Last Friday's FAI Cup exit to First Division Kildare County means that Bohemians' budget will now be even tighter come the serious wheeling and dealing over the coming months.

Farrelly confirmed that the team would remain full-time and agreed that keeping fellow international Crowe, for one, is a chief concern.

"Certain priorities have been highlighted already and hopefully people can take care of that," said Farrelly. "The most important thing is to do things positively.

"It won't happen overnight. We have to improve every aspect of it (the club) and make it attractive to those who are already here and people who may possibly come."

Farrelly's arrival as a player brings a third international (Dominic Foley is the other) to a team that has grossly underachieved this season.

"The playing side is the most important part for me as I know I have a lot to learn on the other side," said the former Everton, Aston Villa and Bolton midfielder. "The people you surround yourself with will give me a lot of help on that front.

"It's hard to gauge what exactly I will bring. Over a period of time we're looking at making changes that will hopefully be for the better." added Farrelly.

Howlett will have a near full-strength squad available to him for tonight's game with Rovers.Only Fergal Harkin, who is out for up to six weeks with a knee injury, is absent.

Rovers are struggling to regain their form of earlier in the season when they beat and drew with Bohemians at Dalymount.

Goalkeeper Russell Payne's clearance won't be through in time for his inclusion while Striker Stephen Grant is suspended. Derek Tracey, Gavin McDonnell and Fiachra McArdle are out injured and Keith O'Halloran, Paul Caffrey and Liam Kelly are doubtful.