Estonian duo leaving Bohemians just five months into multi-year deals

Lilander and Reinkort left Flora Tallinn to sign for the club under former manager Declan Devine last January but failed to make an impact, with the decision to part ways with both made this morning.

Lilander, capped 16 times by Estonia and called up for their national camp earlier this month, started five of his first six games with the Phibsboro club, but went on to make just two more starts under boss Alan Reynolds who replaced Devine at the end of March. The right-back had not featured for Bohs since May 6.

Striker Reinkort made an instant impact on his debut with a goal against Sligo Rovers on the opening night of the season, but soon fell out of favour and had not started for Bohs since March 4 before his departure today. The 26-year-old saw just 11 minutes of league action since April 19.

“Bohemian FC can confirm that defender Michael Lilander and striker Sten Reinkort have had their contracts terminated by mutual consent. We wish them both the very best for their future careers,” said the club in a statement this morning.

The news follows yesterday’s arrival of ex-Ireland U-21 cap Ross Tierney, who has returned to Bohs following two-and-a-half years across the water. Tierney made 68 appearances at Dalymount before moving to the UK, with Reynolds labelling the signing as a “coup” for the club.

Bohs are next in action away to St Patrick’s Athletic next Friday, June 28, as they look to lift themselves off eighth place following a difficult start to 2024.

Meanwhile, the League of Ireland clubs competing in Europe this summer have had their fixture details confirmed by UEFA.

In Champions League first round qualifying, champions Shamrock Rovers take on Vikingur Reykjavík over two legs on Thursday July 9 (7.45 Irish time) and Tuesday July 16 (8.0), with the first leg away from home for the Hoops.

The Conference League second round qualifying, Stephen Kenny’s St Patrick’s Athletic take on Liechtenstein’s FC Vaduz on Thursday July 25 and Thursday August 1, with the first leg at Richmond Park.

Should Shelbourne progress past Gibraltar’s St Joseph’s in the Conference league first round next month, they will take on FC Zurich in the second round over two legs on Thursday July 25 and Thursday August 1, with the second leg set for Tolka Park.

The winner of Derry City and Gibraltar’s Magpies will play Danish heavyweights FC Copenhagen in the Conference League second round, to be played on Thursday July 25 and Thursday August 1. Should the Saints progress, they will be at home for the first leg.