An opportunity he couldn't turn down was how new Bohemians manager Seán Connor summed up his appointment at his official unveiling at Dalymount Park yesterday morning.
Having worked admirably in re-establishing Sligo Rovers back in the top flight of Irish football in his two years at the Showgrounds, Connor (39) is now relishing the task of restoring Bohemians as one of the top four clubs in the country after several lean years.
"I'm delighted, it's an opportunity I couldn't turn down," said Connor in confirming he has been given a three-year contract.
"It's probably the job in Irish football that everybody wanted. The football club is steeped in history and tradition and the plans for the future are very, very exciting. That's the challenge and that's what I'm looking for."
The ambitious Belfastman had become increasingly frustrated at having to work under the constraints of a meagre playing budget at Sligo.
There should be considerably less restrictions at Bohemians who confirmed yesterday that their budget would be increased by at least 50 per cent on this season for next year. With nine players out of contract, much coming and going is thus to expected in the close season.
"The club has underachieved recently and the first thing we have to do is to get the players believing in themselves," said Connor. "There is no doubt that we need to bring some quality players to the club and start winning football matches.
"We are starting from a position whereby we can only improve. I have some short-term goals that we need to address very quickly and some long-term plans. Hopefully I'll be here long enough to see them come to fruition.
"This is a big, big football club and we need players who can play and perform under the pressure associated with playing for Bohemians.
"Over the last two days I've had conversations with people that have excited me and I believe I'm now at a football club that can match the level of ambition that I have.
"The bottom line is I want this club winning trophies as soon as possible. I want Bohs playing Setanta Cup football, European football and challenging for the league, and also I want this club to be the first to make it into the group stages of a European competition, whether it is the Uefa Cup or the Champions League."
The club said yesterday that contracts in regard to the €65 million sale of the ground for redevelopment have been exchanged and that they hope to be concluded by Christmas. A "substantial deposit" has been received pending that.
"Everybody involved on the board is looking forward to a bright new future," said club president Gerry Cuffe. "It's an exciting time to be involved in the club with all that's going on with ground developments.
"We're well aware that we are coming off the back of a couple of very turbulent years on the pitch, partially driven by financial constraints. We're happy that we have turned the corner financially at this point in time and we're looking forward to a bright new future with Seán."
