DENIS O’CONNOR HAS resigned as chairman of Bray Wanderers this evening.
With the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division club facing a financial crisis in recent weeks, there has been mounting pressure for the businessman and investor Gerry Mulvey to step away from the Wicklow outfit.
Three weeks ago, O’Connor released a statement admitting that the Seagulls could not continue to be viable with the current level of support at the Carlisle Grounds.
The first-team squad were then told they could speak to other clubs, before O’Connor then claimed that funds had been secured to see out the 2017 campaign.
Bray’s short-term future remains shrouded in uncertainty, however, and the players said last Friday they they will seek to place themselves on the transfer list after failing to receive assurances from the club.
And tonight, O’Connor has revealed he is stepping down from his position at Bray and Milway Dawn Limited — which owns 90% of the club — citing “personal reasons”.
“I have resigned my position as Chairman/Director of Bray Wanderers FC and also as Director of Milway Dawn Limited,” O’Connor said in a statement released tonight.
“My involvement with the Club has been driven by a desire to resolve legacy issues and get the Senior Squad in the top half of the League Table which can only be achieved by putting the necessary support structures in place. My decision is driven by personal reasons. That is all for another day.
“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my fellow Directors , Officers in the Club and the extremely hardworking and loyal people who give of their time freely – all with the interest of the Club at heart.
It would be remiss not to refer to Harry Kenny – a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Someone with whom I developed a very close friendship – we talked or met nearly every day. More importantly he brought a business sense to the role of head coach as well as a football knowledge and I will forever regard him as a true friend.
“Finally I wish all the teams and coaches the best of luck for the remainder of the season and it goes without saying I will always be available to help the Club when feasible and where possible if asked. On a general note best wishes to my colleagues in The PCA as they work together for the betterment of The League. And to the officials in the FAI who supported us.
“To the true fans – keep up the good work and support your Club at the stiles. To the media – thanks for fair and balanced reporting.”
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