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The Carlisle Grounds opened in 1862.
Wanderers by nature

Bray Wanderers announce plans to leave the Carlisle Grounds for a new stadium

The chairman of the Wicklow club wants to create a facility in which players can thrive and develop.

THE CONSTRUCTION OF a 4,500-seater stadium and a new training facility are just some of the aspirations detailed in Bray Wanderers’ five-year strategic plan, which was launched last night.

As part of the plan demanded by the Football Association of Ireland, the Wicklow club outlined a vision to improve facilities in order to help achieve their aims of challenging for honours and qualifying for European competitions.

“We cannot operate a professional club without proper training facilities,” Bray chairman Denis O’Connor said in a statement released on the club’s official website.

“The Carlisle Grounds has been a great home for the Seagulls but it lacks practice pitches, all-weather pitches, proper changing facilities, even proper shelter for fans — and ultimately space for our teams to advance.

“This is about providing a facility for all Wicklow players — from Bray down to the borders of Wexford. And it will allow us to bring in international games and players — we want to put Wicklow on the map.”

According to the statement, “a site of some 20 acres is envisioned” with a UEFA Category Three stadium forming part of a complex that will also include two floodlit full-size 4G pitches, an indoor sports hall, a gym and conference space.

As well as improving facilities, Bray indicated that a five-year partnership is being negotiated with Rugby League Ireland, while a formal three-year partnership has been agreed with St Joseph’s Boys AFC to create a junior academy in South Dublin.

Dylan Connolly celebrates after the game Dylan Connolly of Bray Wanderers, who finished 2016 in sixth place in the Premier Division. Tommy Dickson / INPHO Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO

Meanwhile, Wexford Youths have confirmed that Damian Locke has been appointed as the club’s first-team manager.

The 29-year-old, who worked as an analyst for the Republic of Ireland senior team during Euro 2016, takes over from Shane Keegan, who departed the club for Galway United at the end of the season.

A native of Tralee, Locke has also worked as head analyst for the Ireland men’s U18 and women’s U19 teams. The new manager assumes the reins at Ferrycarrig Park following a season in which Wexford were relegated from the Premier Division.

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