Ali Coote could leave Bohemians and make UK return despite interest from St Patrick’s Athletic and Shelbourne

Bohemians player Ali Coote is mulling over a return to the UK despite interest in the Scottish player from the Gypsies’ domestic rivals.

Coote (25) has just completed his fourth season in the League of Ireland, three seasons with Bohs after a stint with Waterford but is expected to move on from Dalymount Park as a part of a rebuild for next year after a disappointing finish for Declan Devine’s side, with winger Dayle Rooney’s arrival from Drogheda United adding to competition for places.

Dublin rivals Shelbourne and St Patrick’s Athletic have been linked with attacking midfielder Coote, but there is also interest from clubs in League One and League Two. The former Scotland U-17 cap previously had a spell in England with Brentford’s B team, but another stint in the English club scene could appeal to Coote as he prepares to end his time in the League of Ireland.

Having starred in the Gypsies’ Europa Conference League run in 2021, he struggled in the 2022 season as boss Keith Long lost his job, and at one point, Coote and fellow Scot Liam Burt were demoted to the U-19s from the senior squad, but he did win back his place under new manager Declan Devine.

“I really enjoyed my first year here, it was a very disappointing second year,” he said earlier this year. “There was a bit of a sour end towards the end of last season, and there was a bit of doubt there, but Deccy phoned me, said it was a clean slate, he sang my praises. He knew the player I can be for the club.”

Coote started 16 of the first 21 league games of the 2023 season but lost his place and featured sporadically in the second half of the campaign, appearing as a late sub in the FAI Cup final defeat to St Patrick’s Athletic.

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