Being asked to go back to become Bohemians’ future wasn’t a problem for their new American arrival Patrick Hickey.
His solid display at centre-half in Sunday’s scoreless draw against St Patrick’s Athletic in front of 21,472 fans was his first defensive assignment for almost four years.
Since filling in as a makeshift central defender for Athlone Town in 2022, Hickey established himself as a swashbuckling attacker at Galway United, honing his threat in the final third.
Alan Reynolds foresaw Hickey’s piece in his Bohs team differently. The 27-year-old began the season part of a three-man rearguard action designed to improve on last year’s fourth placed finish that secured Bohs their first European football since 2021.
“I was looking for some clarity on the position when I had my first conversation with Rennie,” he said of his initial discussion with the Gypsies boss.
“I was like ‘where do you really see me?’ And he told me four different positions.
“I think the only one missing was the goalkeeper.”
He explained the difference in responsibility.
“I was up at the top end of the pitch last year at Galway United. So you’d have a couple of centre-backs behind you, but the rest of the game was that way and you’re back to goal is this way.
“On Sunday, when I had the ball, there’s 20 players in front of me. And it’s a different picture and there’s a lot of moving parts.
“There’s a lot bigger risk involved if you lose the ball 30 yards from your own goal compared to last year where I was.
“So it was an adjustment, but at the same time, it was a challenge I’m excited about, looking forward to getting better.”
Sunday’s showcase fixture at at Lansdowne Road marked the biggest crowd Hickey has ever played to.
He’s in a relationship with Athlone Town star Madisson Gibson but the US accents in the lower tier were louder from the expanded group.
“It was an excuse to get everyone into the stadium, so my parents Tom and Jane came over from Chicago,” he outlined.
“There was also my girlfriend and cousins from Ireland. My dad was buzzing.
“Every time I looked it seemed he was about to cry so I tried to avoid eye contact. They were thrilled and it was definitely a special moment for the family. I wish we could have got the win.
“They’ll visit my sister Catherine in Galway and then come to our next match, away to Sligo on Saturday.”
More points at the Showgrounds are essential if Bohs are to mount a serious tilt at winning their first title since 2008.
“As a team, a club like Bohemians must be aiming to win trophies,” he asserted. “Whether it’s winning the league, cup or qualifying for the European league phase. We must set our sights there because that is what the club deserves. That’s what Bohemians is.”
