Bohs Manager Questions Future of Professional Contracts in Women’s Football

Bohemians manager Alban Hysa has raised concerns about the sustainability of professional contracts in women’s football ahead of the highly anticipated FAI Cup final on Sunday. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) introduced professional contracts at the beginning of the 2023 season, coinciding with the return of Shamrock Rovers to the senior national league after a nine-year absence. Despite attracting several notable players, including those from double holders Shelbourne, the financial investment has not yet resulted in competitive success.

Currently, Athlone Town leads the league in terms of professional players, while most other clubs remain strictly amateur. The minimum weekly wages are set at €430 for full-time players and €130 for part-time players, aligning with the men’s league structure. This has allowed clubs like Athlone to recruit talent from abroad, including American players and notable signings like Cypriot goalkeeper Maria Matthaiou and Jamaican international Izzy Groves.

Hysa, who previously managed at Peamount United and Treaty United, expressed skepticism about the viability of such contracts in the current environment. He stated, “Of course, we’re looking at certain clubs having professional contracts, Shamrock Rovers in the past and now Athlone. At the same time, rather than me saying we should be in the same position, I know we’d need a lot more from the league in terms of structures to grow the fanbase.”

The lack of a substantial supporter base has been a persistent issue, with Bohemians averaging around 500 attendees at their home ground, Dalymount Park, while other clubs, including Athlone, manage only about 100 fans per match. Hysa highlighted that the financial resources currently spent do not reflect the revenues generated: “The reality is what’s coming in doesn’t justify the money that’s being spent.”

Shamrock Rovers began their professional strategy three years ago but have since shifted focus back to youth development. Hysa speculated that Athlone might follow a similar path if foreign players depart. He described the situation as complex, stating, “It’s a touchy subject, one that cannot be clarified quickly. It goes above my pay grade.”

Having lived in Ireland for 25 years, initially playing for Monaghan United and Dublin City, Hysa is committed to the Bohemians’ strategy of nurturing homegrown talent rather than relying heavily on overseas signings. “Our structure and strategy at Bohemians is to develop our pathways to give our players the opportunity of progressing in this league,” he remarked.

Under Hysa’s guidance, Bohemians have made significant strides, improving their league position from eighth last season. They face a formidable challenge in the upcoming final against Athlone, a team that recently reached the second round of the Champions League. The manager noted, “We’re the only team to have scored twice against Athlone this season – which is a positive. The truth is we can beat any of the top teams on our day.”

Hysa emphasized the importance of maintaining a solid defensive performance to secure victory, saying, “We feel that if we don’t concede, we’ll win this final because we always score goals.” Bohemians have enjoyed a successful season, with their U19s recently winning a cup, marking this as their second senior final.

Achieving a cup victory would be momentous for Bohemians, who have not won a cup on either side for an extended period. Hysa remarked, “It would be amazing for the players and club. It would be a great legacy to be the team that won the first-ever women’s Cup for the club. That would push the next generation of players.”

The anticipation for the final is building, with a strong Bohemians support expected to turn out. Hysa concluded, “All those young kids watching our team will want to replicate their idols in the future when they grow up.”