CONNOR PARSONS reckons Sunday was just the start for Bohemians.
Parsons and Lys Mousset linked up to good effect with the winger hitting the post before Ross Tierney scored the rebound for the Dublin derby winner against Shamrock Rovers.
It was a welcome good start after a disastrous eighth-place finish last season.
And former Waterford winger Parsons – who returned to the League of Ireland after a short stint with Dagenham and Redbridge – is confident Bohs can put their best foot forward this term.
Parsons said: “We can offer an attractive style of football that people want to come to watch.
“Everyone will be fighting, we all want to be pushing on for Europe and do good things. I feel like it will be exciting.
“I felt they were struggling last year and they were in a transition phase with the new coaches and players coming in and out.
“When I was at Waterford, you could sense there was, what’s the word? Probably an uneasiness in games.
“They didn’t have a great season but they need to forget that because there’s a new squad and chapter.
“The lads said it’s the best squad for the last few years. As soon as I came in, I saw the quality of the lads here compared to what I’ve been at before. I feel we can achieve something special again.”
A big part of that is Mousset who played his part in Sunday’s win despite being someway short of match fitness.
Parsons said: “He’s bright and sharp with his movement. For the goal, I’ve played on the inside and he’s noticed that. Before the ball comes to me, I know he’s going to be there.
“That’s opened up the space for me to drive at the back four and we score from it.
“He was playing in the Premier League a few years ago and that’s good for all of us. The way he is in training you can see he’s so sharp.
“He’s still got a lot, well a bit, of a way to go fitness-wise. It’s unbelievable for all of us, especially me playing up in that attacking area. Hopefully we can get a few assists and goals together.
“Any club would be buzzing to have him because he’s such a big name and played at such a level. It’s understandable why fans are loving him.
“He’s a great character, a funny guy but he’s got a long way to go. As soon as he gets the first goal, I’m sure that will settle him and he’ll score a good few.”
And Parsons helped to show why Alan Reynolds – who had worked with him at Waterford – was so keen to sign him.
The 24-year-old said: “Rennie gives me that confidence. He trusts me, he believes in what I can do, and especially on days like Sunday I love it.
“To make my debut in such a big stadium, it couldn’t have gone much better.
“When you get that trust from the manager to just go out to play your football, I feel I’ve confidence this year.”
And he believes Bohs’ confidence will grow from holding out against Rovers when they exerted pressure after the break.
CONFIDENCE
He said: “We knew Rovers would be on it early so we had to match that and we felt that’s what we did.
“We had a good few chances in the first half but didn’t capitalise on them all. Their goalkeeper made some good saves.
“That goal settled us a little bit and we were under pressure in the second half. I think the occasion got to everybody a bit.
“There’s a statistic where Rovers are on top of a lot of games for the first 45/60 minutes. We knew coming out for the second half that they’d be sharp and on it.
“Everybody saw that but we soaked up the pressure and held on really well.”
Next up for Bohs is a trip to Derry City who will expect to be better after a poor opening night showing against Shelbourne.
Parsons said: “The challenge straight away is the pitch – the astro is a challenge in itself. It’s also a big pitch.
“Derry are a good side but I feel we’ll have the momentum and confidence from this win.”
