Our LOI season preview series continues with Bray Wanderers, our 4th First Division preview now available on the site. Club previews will continue to be released daily as we build up to the start of the 2023 season.
After a torrid 2022, on and off the field, Bray Wanderers have made changes in the hope of improving their lot this season. The Seagulls placed seventh in last season’s First Division after what could only be described as a difficult year for the club.
The side merged with Cabinteely ahead of 2022 and perhaps anticipated a boost as the best senior players from both clubs came together as Bray looked to fight their way out of the second tier. Instead, the side really struggled under the guidance of Pat Devlin and criticisms of the club’s merger only became louder as Bray’s form dipped. The atmosphere wasn’t helped at the club when a video circulated on social media of Devlin arguing with fans in the stands after Bray tied 2-2 with Wexford last May. ‘Devo Out’ was a common phrase uttered amongst Seagulls supporters as the first team floundered. Rumours of players seeking to depart the club emerged regularly while starting forward Kieran ‘Marty’ Waters left for Galway mid-season. Fan trouble at the Carlisle Grounds worsened the situation and a toxic environment developed at the club.
The club, however, enters 2023 somewhat re-energised as changes and plans of future developments at the Carlisle Grounds have revitalised football supporters around the seaside town. Interviewed by the Bray People last October, club chairman Tony Richardson appeared enthusiastic when speaking of the second year (2023) of a five year plan following Bray’s amalgamation with Cabinteely. Richardson spoke of developing an academy and underage system to create a “sustainable club.” Also detailed in the interview were plans to revitalise the Carlisle Grounds, a project estimated to cost, “North of a €10 million.” Bray will remain a part-time club this season and look to transition to full-time next year, though the chairman still aired his desire to win promotion this season.
New Management, New Season, New Signings
Since then Ian Ryan has been appointed head coach of the club, an appointment that was announced on 15th November. Devlin, who is a minority shareholder in the club, will continue to operate as the Head of Football in the club. Ryan spent 18 months at Wexford FC, a club he took from bottom of the league table in 2021 to challenge for the promotion places last season. The side’s youthful talent and counter-attacking style saw them finish in sixth, and though Ryan extended his contract at the club, he ultimately chose to depart for Bray ahead of this season.
Following Ryan’s appointment, a raft of new signings have been made at Bray. That the new head coach has brought in eight players from his old team is telling, and Bray fans can expect a similarly swashbuckling style of play from their side that Ryan utilized with Wexford. Conor Davis, Ger Shortt, Luka Lovic, Harry Groome, Alex Moody, Eoin Farrell, Conor Crowley and Len O’Sullivan have all come in from the Slaneysiders and may well form the core of a new-look Bray outfit. In addition, seven other signings have been brought in by Ryan, such as the experienced Chris Lyons and Dane Massey from Drogheda. Defender Max Murphy switches from Bohs while Cole Omorehiomwan comes in from Shamrock Rovers.
Wanderers have let several players go since last Autumn, and they may miss the talents of 18-year old defender Conor McManus, who joined Brentford this January. Hugh Douglas has moved to Wexford while Darragh Lynch has gone to Longford. Ex-Cabo stalwarts Paul Fox and Kevin Knight have been featured on the PFAI transfer list amongst several others as the Seagulls reshape. The services of Callum Thompson, Zach Donohue, Jamie Callaghan and ‘keeper Stephen McGuinness have been retained, however, and if things click between the revamped squad then Bray could mount a serious promotion challenge.
‘All Going to Plan’ Ahead of League Start
Wanderers have lined out for a number of friendlies versus Premier Division opponents as they warm up for the season ahead. A 1-0 win over UCD has been the high point in between heavy defeats to Shamrock Rovers and St Pat’s, though Ryan has appeared content with their performances. “All going to plan at the minute,” he told Wanderers’ social media after a 6-0 defeat to Pat’s on Saturday. The side will kick off the league season with a visit to the Markets Field on 17th February to take on Treaty United, who challenged for promotion last season. Before that, a fourth round Leinster Senior Cup tie away to Carlow team New Oak Boys could serve as good practice.
If Ryan can impress his tactics, that have been so effective up to now, upon his talented new squad then Bray could well challenge for the promotion places or more this season. However, the side will face stiff opposition from the likes of Waterford, Galway and Athlone, who are further down the road with their promotion projects.
