Bohemian FC boss Alan Reynolds said that Mark Kennedy informed him that he was “devastated” that they missed out on a return for Dawson Devoy.

Last week, it was announced that Devoy had returned to his boyhood club Bohemians for an undisclosed fee from Milton Keynes Dons after the midfielder had played for Swindon on loan in the second half of last season.

Then-interim head coach Gavin Gunning had said that Town would be interested in a return for Devoy and Jamie Russell told The Adver in June that they did have an interest in the midfielder, however no formal move materialised.

Speaking to The Irish Sun, Reynolds revealed that he had a conversation with Kennedy following the signing and claimed that the Town boss was left frustrated that Devoy had opted for a return home.

He said: “There was competition here [Ireland] and over there [England] but there's always going to be for a player of that calibre.

"They're hard to get and we're lucky to get him. He's hungry to do well.

“I spoke to the Swindon manager over the weekend and he was gutted that he didn't get him, devastated, and was wondering what we had that they didn't have I suppose.

"I think once we knew he was looking to come back, it was a no-brainer, he's the best midfielder of his type in the country.

“I've worked with him closely for the 21s and he's a fantastic player.

"I'm delighted to get him and the only reason we got him I think is the connection he's had with Bohemians.”

Having moved to Stadium MK two years ago, Devoy struggled to make himself a regular in the side before scoring three goals for Swindon last season and was given the opportunity to seek a permanent move away this summer.

The 22-year-old decided that he preferred to move back to Ireland after his two seasons in English football and has now made the move back to the club where he began his career and was named PFAI Young Player of the Year for 2021 after a breakout campaign for Bohs.

Devoy told The Irish Sun: “Once I decided I was coming home, I made it clear where I wanted to be.

"I thought about it a lot, it wasn't a rash decision. I played my best football at this club.

“Now that I'm back I'm looking to push on even further in my career.”