Keith Long says ‘a blind man can see’ Bohs need to strengthen after disappointing Derby result

Keith Long says ‘a blind man can see’ his Bohemians squad needs strengthening after a disappointing start to the season in the transfer window.

With just three wins from 12 games, the Gypsies remain bottom of the table and are already 11 points adrift of second-placed Shamrock Rovers after Friday’s 3-1 loss to the Hoops.

Long has fielded 21 players so far but only one outfielder, Ali Coote, is omnipresent as he admits some recent signings have not lived up to expectations.

They are struggling defensively as the club failed to lure off-season targets Dan Casey and Cameron Dummigan to Dalymount Park. JJ McKiernan, on loan from Watford, has already returned to his home club, just a sub, out of frustration at the lack of playing time, but Long admits the squad isn’t good enough in its current form to keep up.

“We have to try to strengthen ourselves, a blind person can see that,” said Long, who will take his side home to bottom-placed UCD next Friday before a disheartening double-header at Derry City and Dundalk.

“Recruitment is my responsibility, I bring players and we need to step up in certain areas, it shows clearly in our performances so far. Recruitment is key to everything, the better players you work with, the better your performances can be.

“Shamrock Rovers showed their quality on Friday, they’re a decent side, good players, a very strong squad and you can see their experience, it showed clearly but we’ve helped them along the way.

“We all want competition, the players want that, we want to strengthen the squad and we’re going to try that. Recruitment is tough, it’s hard to get players in. Rovers have a solid squad, you can see the stability and the quality they have .

“They add one or two, but we have to replace six or seven players. There aren’t enough quality players in the league,” he added.