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Dubliner Harry Kenny. Bryan Keane/INPHO
Resignation

Harry Kenny stepping down as Bray Wanderers boss after turbulent season

The Seagulls boss will see out the current campaign before leaving his role.

BRAY WANDERS WILL soon be in the market for a new manager after Harry Kenny announced that he is leaving his role at the end of this season.

Having worked as assistant head coach at the Wicklow club, the former Shamrock Rovers defender took over as Mick Cooke’s replacement in April 2016 and led them from bottom of the table to a sixth-place finish.

The Seagulls invested heavily in their squad during the close season and began the 2017 campaign excellently. However, as the club looked set to challenge the top three, it fell into financial trouble in July.

With huge uncertainty around the future of the squad, results suffered and their challenge fell away.

After this afternoon’s 3-3 draw with Galway United, it was announced that the 55-year-old will step away from the job when the current campaign ends later this month.

“It was with mixed emotions that I inform the board of Bray Wanderers FC that I would not be available as manager for next season,” his statement reads.

“I have had two happy and relatively successful years at Bray. Naturally, I regret that we did not achieve more in competition but progress has been steady and we are currently knocking on the door of European football. For me, a stage has been reached where I believe it important to give undivided attention to my role at the FAI.

“I will always recall with gratitude and fondness the respect and many kindnesses shown to me by supporters, players, board and backroom staff of the club. Special thanks are due to my management team for their professionalism and forbearance and to the board for their trust and confidence in giving me an opportunity to manage a Premier Division club.

Sincere best wishes for the future to all associated with BWFC.”

In their own statement, Bray added: “We are disappointed that a coach who has achieved so much for the club has to resign but we are very conscious of the circumstances and conditions under which he has had to make this decision.

“He has brought great honour and success to our club and has been the model coach since his appointment. He has worked closely with our junior partners – St Josephs Boys club and he has portrayed the club in the best manners and traditions of sport – always available to the media and always courteous to our fans.

“Harry will always be welcome here and we will always remember the new impetus he brought to our club. We thank him and wish him and his family every success in the future.”

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