BRAY WANDERERS HAVE appointed Niall O’Driscoll as the new owner following a turbulent period at the club.
A statement on the club website writes that the St Joseph’s Boys chairman is honoured to take over the club having been approached by the Seagulls Chairman Gerry Mulvey. It also states that the club’s immediate aim is to move past their recent troubles by working towards retaining their Premier Division status.
Bray, who are at the bottom of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division table, take on Cork City at the Carlisle Grounds tomorrow.
Earlier this month, players voted in favour of strike action over the non-payment of wages for June, but subsequently called a temporary halt to the action after they received the monies owed ahead of their 6-0 defeat to Bohemians last week.
“I am delighted about this opportunity, having been approached by Gerry [Mulvey],” O’Driscoll told the Bray website.
I firmly believe that by working closely with the local community, staff and volunteers, we can develop Bray Wanderers into a club that the people of Wicklow are proud of.
“On a personal level, I have close connections with Bray Wanderers.
“Members of my wife’s family, the McEvoys, were involved from the 1950s and, as Chairman of St Joseph’s Boys in Sallynoggin, I helped introduce the long-standing partnership that last year created the St Joseph’s Bray (SJB) Academy based at Carrickmines.
“My background at youth development, as a UEFA-licenced coach and manager of both boys and girls teams at local and national level, naturally forms my view that home-produced players are the key to the future of Bray Wanderers.
“Already, our Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 teams are competitive at national level and there will be a clear strategy of maintaining that pathway into senior level.
I would encourage the people of Wicklow, fans and businesses, to support their local club, starting with Friday’s important match at the Carlisle Grounds against champions Cork City. Bring the kids along for what should be a great evening of football.”
The FAI has also released a statement following O’Driscoll’s appointment.
“It is great news that Niall has joined Bray Wanderers as his drive and vision will surely help the club return to a solid structure, where they can progress further on and off the pitch,” said FAI CEO John Delaney.
“Niall is a real football man and has proven that during his time involved in the game at all levels.
“I would like to thank Gerry Mulvey for his time at the club and wish Niall the very best in what I’m sure will be an exciting new era for Bray Wanderers.”
O’Driscoll is a partner in the insurance firm O’Driscoll O’Neill, who cover football clubs all around the country from grassroots up to the SSE Airtricity League, according to the FAI.
He will be hosting information meetings for supporters in the coming weeks, with the the dates and venues to be confirmed on the Bray Wanderers website.
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