Stephen Bradley has dismissed Bohemians' media ban as a 'daft' protest over a fixture change. The Shamrock Rovers manager defended his club's schedule ahead of Monday's key Dublin derby, citing their extensive experience with short turnarounds from European football.
Bradley responded after Bohemians imposed a media blackout. The Dalymount Park side were unhappy the league moved Rovers' league game against Drogheda United forward by 24 hours, giving the Hoops extra recovery time before the derby. "I think it's a bit of a daft one," Bradley said of the ban. "I understand they're trying to create a siege mentality and all that, but look at what we've done for a long period."
He pointed to his team's history of managing intense schedules. "We've been away in Europe on Thursday evenings and qualified and got back down and had to travel to Derry on Sunday morning and play a match," Bradley explained. He suggested multiple dates, including this Monday, had been discussed for the fixture. "We had that conversation some time back. I think this Monday was suggested by them, if I'm not wrong."
Team news and injuries
Bradley's squad faces several doubts for tonight's clash with Drogheda United. Naj Razi, Enda Stevens, and Lee Grace are all doubtful, while Danny Mandroiu has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Danny Grant is awaiting specialist advice on an injury.
Highly-rated 17-year-old Arsenal-bound starlet Victor Ozhianvuna remains unavailable. The club are following Arsenal's advice to hold off on his return until next week despite significant physical progress. "Hopefully, we'll have him available for the last few games, but we won't know that until next week," Bradley said. "We've most definitely missed him."
League context and next game
The fixture dispute comes with Shamrock Rovers third in the Premier Division, level on 59 points with St Patrick's Athletic and Bohemians but with a game in hand. A win or draw against Drogheda United tonight at Tallaght Stadium would see them regain top spot.
Top scorer Rory Gaffney, with nine goals this season, will be key as Rovers seek to improve on a recent run of one win in their last five league games. Their last meeting with Drogheda ended in a goalless draw in July. Bradley's side host the ninth-placed team knowing a positive result is essential ahead of Monday's showdown with Bohemians. Check the full fixtures list for the run-in.
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