‘I see getting Ross back to the club as a coup’ – Alan Reynolds hails return of Tierney to Bohs

The Dubliner returns to the League of Ireland after two-and-a-half years in the UK, having signed for Scottish side Motherwell from Bohs in January 2022 before spending last season on loan at League Two Walsall.

After starring in Bohs’ memorable European run in 2021 before helping the Phibsboro side reach the FAI Cup final later that year, the midfielder made a good impression in Scotland initially with two goals at the end of his first season.

Today's Sports News in 90 Seconds - 20th June

But he found starts hard to come by afterwards with 23 appearances across the 2022/23 campaign, before he made 35 appearances on loan at Walsall last term - scoring three times.

Now, the 23-year-old has decided to return to Dalymount Park on a permanent basis and cut short his move to Scotland with one year still remaining on his deal at Motherwell.

Having made 68 appearances for Bohs before departing Dalymount, Reynolds says Tierney’s signature is a big coup for the club.

“I see getting Ross back to the club as a coup, and a reflection of the ambition we have to get Bohs back to where we belong. He is the calibre of talent I want to bring to this club,” said Reynolds, with Bohs next in action away to St Patrick’s Athletic on June 28, as they look to lift themselves off eighth place.

“He has turned down bigger offers from other clubs to come back to the club that he loves, and there has been a huge amount of work in the background to get this over the line.

“Bohs means an awful lot to Ross, and it is clear that he wants to come back and be part of something new and exciting here. What is most exciting for me is that I feel that the best is yet to come for Ross.”

After winning nine Ireland U-21 caps, being a part of Jim Crawford’s side who reached a Euro 2023 play-off in 2022, Tierney says he’s looking forward to linking up with his former U-21 assistant Reynolds again.

“I am buzzing to be back. I am not just coming back to be happy being home - I am coming back to help Bohs push on, get back to where we belong, challenging for trophies and getting back into Europe,” added Tierney.

“I have spoken to Rennie quite a bit since he came in and when I knew there was a chance I might come home. I know Rennie from the Ireland U-21s. I know what he is about and what he wants to achieve here. I want to be a part of that and I can’t wait to get started.

“Those nights we had in Europe when I was here before are still the best nights I have had in my career and that’s where the club needs to be. That’s what I am here for.

“I am young, and I want to have a big career here with Bohs and to perform the way I was before I left and to push on further.”