ALAN REYNOLDS has revealed how former Ireland star Mark Kennedy was flummoxed by Dawson Devoy’s decision to join Bohemians over Swindon Town.
And the Bohs boss hopes his side can get a lift from a big FAI Cup win over Shamrock Rovers similar to one from Kennedy’s own playing career.
The Gypsies saw off stiff competition from St Pat’s and Swindon to land former Ireland under-21 international Devoy from MK Dons.
Devoy, 22, spent the second half of last season on loan at the County Ground with ex-Liverpool winger Kennedy keen to sign him on a permanent basis.
And Reynolds said: “There was competition here and over there but there’s always going to be for a player of that calibre.
“They’re hard to get and we’re lucky to get him. He’s hungry to do well.
“I spoke to the Swindon manager over the weekend and he was gutted that he didn’t get him, devastated, and was wondering what we had that they didn’t have I suppose.
“I think once we knew he was looking to come back, it was a no-brainer, he’s the best midfielder of his type in the country.
“I’ve worked with him closely for the 21s and he’s a fantastic player.
“I’m delighted to get him and the only reason we got him I think is the connection he’s had with Bohemians.”
Devoy – who left Bohs – two years ago is the second fans’ favourite to return in this window following the capture of Ross Tierney from Motherwell.
And Reynolds said: “I’m lucky to get the two of them, because of the relationship they have with the fans, the board and everyone here.
“That’s the reason we got them, it wasn’t anything I’ve done, it’s all down to what the club have done.”
Devoy may not be thrown in at the deep end, at least from the start, against Rovers given his last game for Swindon was on April 27.
Bohs need all the help they can get against their arch rivals after a run of six league games without a win.
And Rennie is hoping for a boost similar to the one recalled by Kennedy when a big FA Cup victory in 2003 helped propel Wolves to promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs.
He said: “He was saying when he was at Wolves they played Newcastle, with Alan Shearer and all them, and the win kickstarted them.
“They got their season going so hopefully we can do the same.”
Last week, they lost 2-0 to Sligo Rovers with the second goal coming when keeper Kacper Chorazka went up for a free-kick allowing Ellis Chapman to score from his own half after Declan McDaid’s dire delivery.
Rennie said: There was frustration from players and staff, any other day you win that game 4-0 or 5-0, their keeper was outstanding on the night.
“Conceding at the death can cloud a lot of your thinking.
“So it’s about taking the emotion out of it, look back and keep doing what you’re doing. On another day you win that game comfortably.
“I know results have not gone well but performances have improved in the last number of weeks.
“We’ll keep building and with the new players we’ll keep improving. The non-negotiable is that you give everything you have.”
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And Devoy is confident that – with Rennie also having brought in Leigh Kavanagh, Liam Smith, Archie Meekison and Alex Greive – he can help contribute to a better second half of the season.
He said: “Once I decided I was coming home, I made it clear where I wanted to be.
“I thought about it a lot, it wasn’t a rash decision. I played my best football at this club.
“I think you just have to look at the signings. I’ve been watching the games and we’re not a million miles off.
“The performances are there but sometimes it doesn’t happen for whatever reason but it’s important you keep going and eventually the results and things will change.
“Now that I’m back I’m looking to push on even further in my career.
“The fans have always been the best in the country, even when the team is not doing well they’re still supporting up and down the country.
“Obviously I’m looking to give them something to shout about now.”