BRAY WANDERERS HAVE embarked on what they say is a “radical new campaign” to secure the future of the club by forming a community-owned company to help fund and run the team in what they hope will become a “blueprint for sustainable football in Ireland.”
The majority of the club’s existing shareholders have already agreed to transfer ownership of club to the new company – Bray Wanderers Community Football Club — which has been set up to raise funds for the football team, help pay down the club’s debt and develop amenities for the local community at the Carlisle Grounds.
The new initiative is being driven by a group of prominent local businessman led by club President Philip Hannigan and a ‘think tank’ of select individuals with an interest in the club’s role in the community.
Hannigan said: “The old way of running the football club wasn’t working. A new business model was needed – and we believe this is it. We are confident that by getting the local community involved in owning and running Bray Wanderers, we can secure a sustainable future.”
The move has the backing of the Bray Wanderer’s Supporters Club too with Chairman Terry O’Neill saying:
“This is a revolutionary new way of running an Irish club and as a supporter I fully endorse the efforts that are going into this new initiative. It will be a massive boost for the whole community and could prove to be the template for clubs like ours to thrive in the future.”
Bray are currently eighth in the Airtricity League Premier Division after a 5-3 loss to UCD Friday evening.
