Stephen O'Donnell makes surprise return as Bohemians assistant

Stephen O'Donnell has made a surprise return to the League of Ireland Premier Division as assistant manager to Alan Reynolds at Bohemians.

O'Donnell parted company with Dundalk exactly a month ago after a winless start to the new season.

The 38-year-old returns to Dalymount Park where he won a league and cup double as a player in 2008.

He went on to win league titles with Shamrock Rovers and as captain at Dundalk.

O’Donnell won the FAI Cup in his first managerial job at St Patrick’s Athletic, beating Bohs in the final on penalties in 2021, before taking the managerial reins at Dundalk.

After a successful start at the club in which they qualified for Europe and finished fifth, this year led to a downturn in fortunes.

He has moved quickly to accept the offer from Bohs as Reynolds sought to add to his staff.

Bohs boss Alan Reynolds said: "Stephen will bring fantastic qualities to the club from the vast experience he has had in the league over many years as both a player and a manager in his own right.

"He has a fantastic approach to the game and we share similar beliefs on how the game should be approached. He’s a winner, and I am really looking forward to working with him.

"I also want to thank Trevor Croly who stepped up from his role as Under-20s manager to assist me with the first team on a temporary basis since I came to the club.

"His experience and knowledge has been invaluable to me, and will remain invaluable as he brings players through from the Under-20s to the first team."

O'Donnell said: "I can’t wait to get cracking. I’ve always had a good relationship with Alan, and the stars aligned in recent weeks with me leaving Dundalk and with Alan looking for a permanent assistant manager.

"I’ve great memories of my time here as a