Bray statement

[marinobohs]

Dundalk have dropped 2 points to Bray but Cork have dropped none.
Dundalk would go six points clear with 1 less game to play in the season....game set and match if it isn't already.

BTW I agree with you RE walkovers for remaining games but I think results were expunged in case of Monaghan. not sure if there is a definite rule on it.

[sullanefc]

Very hard to get people to volunteer for a role as a director in a company with limited or no resources.

Any club that defaults on wages should have to deposit a minimum of 4 months wages with the FAI before being allowed to enter the league the next season.
That isn't impossible as theoretically if a club went fully amateur there would be no wages so the emphasis would be on the club to find the money up front or accept they need to lower the budget to whatever they can raise.
If they default again the FAI can step in but if that has to happen then its points deduction and exclusion from the league for a minimum of 3 years, plus the directors cant be involved for a minimum of 5 years again.
I know its not perfect but something has to change.
The FAI will probably now come out with some even more stringent criteria for next year as they wont want to risk this happening again.
100% agree. So many people that I've suggested similar to have always found reasons why this shouldn't be done but something has to change.

[pineapple stu]

It mightn't help straight away but an interim group coupled with the realisation that the existing board have been removed might mean a bounce in the gates. See the season out and then encourage a supporters run group to take over the club.
A bounce in gate receipts would be just a drop in the ocean.

Let's say it costs 250k/annum to run a fully amateur LoI club. Let's then say same again for wages - 500k. That's 40k+ a month before you start looking at paying off any old debts.

An extra 200 people a game twice a month is 4k. On top of what - 10k/month they're currently taking in? It's nothing.


.
Any club that defaults on wages should have to deposit a minimum of 4 months wages with the FAI before being allowed to enter the league the next season.
Didn't Bray do this though? Don't know if it was four months' worth, but a figure of 100k is mentioned here.

Don't mean to come across as excusing Bray or the FAI here, but the realities are that our league is such a basket case that it's actually hard to punish anyone. Especially when we need every club we can get just to make up the numbers.

[ToberonaTornado]

Russell steps down as manager at Bray.

https://braywanderersfc.ie/martin-russell-steps-down-as-manager/

[pineapple stu]

"The website is temporarily unable to service your request as it exceeded resource limit. Please try again later."

What's that mean?

[ToberonaTornado]

Martin Russell – Statement
Due to the constraints and unrealistic circumstances that have unfolded in recent times at Bray Wanderers FC, it is with deep regret that I have made the decision to resign as manager.
I would like to thank all the staff, supporters and players for their efforts whilst at the club. It has been a trying time for everyone concerned and highlights once again the lack of a proper football industry that we can all aspire to.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Gerry Mulvey, the club’s chairman who, like myself, staff, players and supporters, is as much a victim of the sorry state of affairs that we find ourselves in.
Gerry has always been honest with me, but unfortunately promises made to him have constantly been reneged on and, despite his tireless efforts, he has been unable to find enough support throughout the business world and the FAI in order to bring matters to a viable resolution.
I believe Gerry has always wanted something beneficial for football to come out of his involvement with Bray Wanderers FC and its participation in the Airtricity League.
With a variety of agendas and uncooperative and restrictive measures taken, the role of managing and concentrating on winning football matches has left me at this point.
I really hope that the great game we all love and follow does manage to find a better way but, at this moment in time, it’s impossible for me to be a manager in the current environment.
Martin Russell

[sidewayspasser]

"The website is temporarily unable to service your request as it exceeded resource limit. Please try again later."

What's that mean?
I'd say the website gets more traffic than Bray paid for.

[pineapple stu]

Didn't realise that was even a thing.

[sbgawa]

Why are the current owners even sticking around ? Are they still living in the cloud cuckoo land that the council will put them in charge of developing the Carlisle grounds ? I wonder at this stage do they just want to bust the club as that plan hasn't worked out .

[total hoofball]

Martin Russell – Statement
Due to the constraints and unrealistic circumstances that have unfolded in recent times at Bray Wanderers FC, it is with deep regret that I have made the decision to resign as manager.
I would like to thank all the staff, supporters and players for their efforts whilst at the club. It has been a trying time for everyone concerned and highlights once again the lack of a proper football industry that we can all aspire to.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Gerry Mulvey, the club’s chairman who, like myself, staff, players and supporters, is as much a victim of the sorry state of affairs that we find ourselves in.
Gerry has always been honest with me, but unfortunately promises made to him have constantly been reneged on and, despite his tireless efforts, he has been unable to find enough support throughout the business world and the FAI in order to bring matters to a viable resolution.
I believe Gerry has always wanted something beneficial for football to come out of his involvement with Bray Wanderers FC and its participation in the Airtricity League.
With a variety of agendas and uncooperative and restrictive measures taken, the role of managing and concentrating on winning football matches has left me at this point.
I really hope that the great game we all love and follow does manage to find a better way but, at this moment in time, it’s impossible for me to be a manager in the current environment.
Martin Russell
Did Mulvey hold a gun to Russell's head when he wrote that statement?

[marinobohs]

Did Mulvey hold a gun to Russell's head when he wrote that statement?

blind loyalty to a dodgy owner might be an attractive trait for possible future LOI employers ;)

[sbgawa]

blind loyalty to a dodgy owner might be an attractive trait for possible future LOI employers ;)

Jeez and I thought I was beaten down old and Cynical :)

[marinobohs]

Jeez and I thought I was beaten down old and Cynical :)

Don't worry sbgawa we ALL think you are beaten down old and cynical :cool:

[sbgawa]

Don't worry sbgawa we ALL think you are beaten down old and cynical :cool:

Your ALL correct :o

[littlebray]

Strange to see a denial of service attack on such a small-fry site. Otherwise, you have to assume it's been taken off line for some reason.

[peadar1987]

Strange to see a denial of service attack on such a small-fry site. Otherwise, you have to assume it's been taken off line for some reason.

I'm not sure it's a DoS attack, didn't the same thing happen when the North Korea statement came out? The site just can't handle the attention the crisis has caused.

[jinxy lilywhite]

statement now:
https://braywanderersfc.ie/statement-from-bray-wanderers/

"Bray Wanderers FC can confirm that outstanding monies owed to players will be processed today (Thursday, July 19) after working closely with the Football Association of Ireland. The club wishes to apologise to the players for this extended period in finalising monies owed. While the club accepts full responsibility for contractual obligations not being met on time, we have worked hard, to resolve the matter.The club would like to thank the FAI for their constant involvement in working to resolve what has been an unfortunate period for all involved. The club are getting closer to finding a solution to fulfill all players’ wages for the remainder of the 2018 SSE Airtricity League season "

[marinobohs]

statement now:
https://braywanderersfc.ie/statement-from-bray-wanderers/

"Bray Wanderers FC can confirm that outstanding monies owed to players will be processed today (Thursday, July 19) after working closely with the Football Association of Ireland. The club wishes to apologise to the players for this extended period in finalising monies owed. While the club accepts full responsibility for contractual obligations not being met on time, we have worked hard, to resolve the matter.The club would like to thank the FAI for their constant involvement in working to resolve what has been an unfortunate period for all involved. The club are getting closer to finding a solution to fulfill all players’ wages for the remainder of the 2018 SSE Airtricity League season "

Oh goody, another 'deadline' ;) should we bring popcorn ?

[sbgawa]

So here is my completely uninformed guess as to what has happened.

FAI have ponied up for the wages and told Bray if they don't pay the FAI back before next Feb they will be denied a Premier or indeed a 1st division licence.
If I was the fAI id also say that as well as paying them back they have to deposit circa 200k for next season.

Either the Bray owners will pony up because they still believe they have a chance of the fantasy of persuading the DPR Korea County Council to gift them the Carlisle grounds to build apartments on or the club go's out of existence......either way this season and next season is sorted.

[disgruntled]

Strange to see a denial of service attack on such a small-fry site. Otherwise, you have to assume it's been taken off line for some reason.


I'm not sure it's a DoS attack, didn't the same thing happen when the North Korea statement came out? The site just can't handle the attention the crisis has caused.

I wonder would it help if they paid the bill :)

[ToberonaTornado]

PFAI statement re - Bray


Statement from the players of Bray Wanderers FC (http://www.pfai.ie/news/statement-players-bray-wanderers-fc)We are pleased to announce that we have finally been paid our wages for last month. As a result, we have agreed to halt strike action for the time being. However, we have not been provided with any comfort or certainty about any future payments. Our next monthly payment is due next week and if it, or any subsequent payments for the duration of the season, are not honoured as they fall due, it will be necessary to reconsider our position. We simply cannot endure another period of uncertainty. In those circumstances, the last resort option of going on strike would be back on the table. We sincerely hope it doesn’t come to that.
We would like to thank PFA Ireland for the leadership shown throughout this difficult period. We would also like to thank Denis Hynes of SIPTU and all the supporters of Bray Wanderers and to all of our fellow players throughout the league for their support and solidarity over the last number of weeks.
We now look forward to returning to playing football and trying to keep our club Bray Wanderers in the Premier Division.

http://www.pfai.ie/news/statement-players-bray-wanderers-fc

[TonyD]

So here is my completely uninformed guess as to what has happened.

FAI have ponied up for the wages and told Bray if they don't pay the FAI back before next Feb they will be denied a Premier or indeed a 1st division licence.
If I was the fAI id also say that as well as paying them back they have to deposit circa 200k for next season.

Either the Bray owners will pony up because they still believe they have a chance of the fantasy of persuading the DPR Korea County Council to gift them the Carlisle grounds to build apartments on or the club go's out of existence......either way this season and next season is sorted.

That sounds entirely plausible. "Working with the FAI" does sound like code for "they gave us a dig out"

[EAFC_rdfl]

Yeah, my first thought after reading the statement was the FAI picking up the wages tab, joke if that's the case.

[Lim till i die]

Wouldn't be the first, second or third club in the league to get a loan against their prize money...

[ger121]

I’d say the FAI coughed up the cash for this one. Will be interesting to see if it was enough to cover next month. I believe another payment is due next week?

[Nesta99]

Wouldn't be the first, second or third club in the league to get a loan against their prize money...

Against prizemoney and 'selling' a ground to the FAI to generate funds and then point the finger at the FAI as owners of a ground for it not being up to scratch!?

[jinxy lilywhite]

to be honest what is more important at this stage? paying the players and ensuring the integrity of league (that may include a loan from the FAI) or allowing bray go to the wall. players out of pocket and a job and near 2/3's of a clubs results to be expunged.

someone ****ed up during the licensing and that can be sorted at the end of the season but get this season finished first would be my preference

[littlebray]

a loan against their prize money...

Neither team remotely in the running for prize money ...

[marinobohs]

I’d say the FAI coughed up the cash for this one. Will be interesting to see if it was enough to cover next month. I believe another payment is due next week?

That would be illegal under EUFA rules. as stated above an 'advance' on their winnings (for top 10 finish :rolleyes:) for this season may not technically breach the regulations. Or maybe thee is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

[Martinho II]

saw in the irish indo that a mystery benefactor came to the rescue for Bray! its not the Athlone town millionaire by any chance?

[mcgonigle]

https://www.balls.ie/football/fais-fran-gavin-criticises-pfais-media-circus-brays-unpaid-wages-393296

The audacity of the man is absolutely outrageous.

[Martinho II]

https://www.balls.ie/football/fais-fran-gavin-criticises-pfais-media-circus-brays-unpaid-wages-393296

The audacity of the man is absolutely outrageous.

yeah Stephen McGuinness had a go at him today. think all relations between them have broken down since the Irish International ladies side wanted to go on strike..

[jinxy lilywhite]

It's ****ing ridiculous from Gavin. It almost like giving or to the pfai for squeeling to the media the players hadn't been paid

[disgruntled]

https://www.balls.ie/football/fais-fran-gavin-criticises-pfais-media-circus-brays-unpaid-wages-393296

The audacity of the man is absolutely outrageous.

Disgusting behaviour from Gavin.
Should be f*c*ed out on his ear & take that sleaze ball Delaney with him :mad:

[Martinho II]

Disgusting behaviour from Gavin.
Should be f*c*ed out on his ear & take that sleaze ball Delaney with him :mad:

yeah Delaney is strangely quiet these days! more disappointing from Gavin when he used to be involved with PFAI.

[marinobohs]

saw in the irish indo that a mystery benefactor came to the rescue for Bray! its not the Athlone town millionaire by any chance?
A 'friend' of Fran Gavin's obviously :rolleyes: hope he kept a few bob for next Thursday's payment.

[ArFella]

St Joseph's Boys Chairman Niall O'Driscoll has bought a majority stake in Bray and will take over running of the club immediately, although Gerry Mulvey has retained a small stake in the club.

https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/2902028/league-of-ireland-club-bray-wanderers-to-be-taken-over-by-st-josephs-boys-chairman-niall-odriscoll/

[RathfarnhamHoop]

St Joseph's Boys Chairman Niall O'Driscoll has bought a majority stake in Bray and will take over running of the club immediately, although Gerry Mulvey has retained a small stake in the club.

https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/2902028/league-of-ireland-club-bray-wanderers-to-be-taken-over-by-st-josephs-boys-chairman-niall-odriscoll/

So effectively Joeys have taken over brays spot. Dont want to say I told yous do but... Got sounded awfully like @loitransfers there ��

[greywanderer]

St Joseph's Boys Chairman Niall O'Driscoll has bought a majority stake in Bray and will take over running of the club immediately, although Gerry Mulvey has retained a small stake in the club.

https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/2902028/league-of-ireland-club-bray-wanderers-to-be-taken-over-by-st-josephs-boys-chairman-niall-odriscoll/

What about the O'Connor twins, are they still around.

[sbgawa]

So effectively Joeys have taken over brays spot. Dont want to say I told yous do but... Got sounded awfully like @loitransfers though 😬

This is a disaster for the league imho joeys take over bray and run it to finish bottom of first division for the foreseeable future to give them access to the underage leagues.

[Philosophizer]

This is a disaster for the league imho joeys take over bray and run it to finish bottom of first division for the foreseeable future to give them access to the underage leagues.

Joeys already had access to the underage leagues anyway. They were the de facto underage club of Bray Wanderes up to u17s over the last couple of years.

I think it's a good thing to be honest. The alternative could very feasibly have been that Bray Wanders cease to exist and the Carlisle is turned into apartments.

Both clubs have had very stong ties for the last 20-30 years, so this probably just makes the link even stronger.

[sbgawa]

It's one thing having strong links with a club that want to play in the premier division, it's another thing having a schoolboy club playing at being a senior club in order to keep the slave trade to England going.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Joeys already had access to the underage leagues anyway. They were the de facto underage club of Bray Wanderes up to u17s over the last couple of years.

I think it's a good thing to be honest. The alternative could very feasibly have been that Bray Wanders cease to exist and the Carlisle is turned into apartments.

Both clubs have had very stong ties for the last 20-30 years, so this probably just makes the link even stronger.

If bray had gone bust which was looking likely they wouldn't have had that access.

I'll reserve judgement on if its a disaster or not until I see what they do

[Martinho II]

I am just wondering was it St Josephs Boys chairman that paid off bray wages?

[RathfarnhamHoop]

I am just wondering was it St Josephs Boys chairman that paid off bray wages?
Reports are saying it was.

[peadar1987]

Joey's takeover of Bray is better than a dead club. I can't see them pumping too much money into the club, but hopefully no property shenanigans, and a steady supply of good players who don't get snapped up by English clubs.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

It'd be in Joey's interest to have a successful Senior team since as a team gets better the players are worth more, and they're in a competitive area for players and a successful senior team could be the difference in getting the best talent. So I'm interested to see how much they go for it

[Mr A]

FAI Statement:


FAI welcome new owner at Bray Wanderers FC
The Football Association of Ireland welcomes the change at Bray Wanderers FC that will see Niall O'Driscoll take control of the club.

FAI CEO John Delaney believes the appointment of O'Driscoll is a big step forward towards long-term stability for Bray Wanderers.

"It is great news that Niall has joined Bray Wanderers as his drive and vision will surely help the club return to a solid structure, where they can progress further on and off the pitch," said Delaney.

"Niall is a real football man and has proven that during his time involved in the game at all levels.

"I would like to thank Gerry Mulvey for his time at the club and wish Niall the very best in what I'm sure will be an exciting new era for Bray Wanderers."

O'Driscoll said: "I'm excited to get going with Bray Wanderers as I want everyone in Bray to be proud of this club again. I want to see kids all around Bray wearing the club's jersey and coming to games.

"I've been involved in football my whole life and this is a way of giving something back. I want to return Bray to former glories and transform it into a club that represents the local community and all of north Wicklow.

"There is already a fantastic academy structure in place at the club and the teams at Under 19, Under 17 and Under 15 level in the SSE Airtricity League have been very successful, so I want to build on that and work towards a bright future.

"I'd like to thank FAI CEO John Delaney for his hard work in facilitating this move and I look forward to working with the FAI and creating a partnership that works for everyone involved."

O’Driscoll is a partner in the insurance firm O’Driscoll O’Neill, who cover football clubs all around the country from grassroots up to the SSE Airtricity League and are renowned for their expertise in the whole area of sport.

I saw twitter comments that said this lad is a mate of Mulvey's and that Martin O'Connor is still general manager there. That would worry me. But I guess it's unlikely things can get much worse than they've been.

[marinobohs]

FAI Statement:



I saw twitter comments that said this lad is a mate of Mulvey's and that Martin O'Connor is still general manager there. That would worry me. But I guess it's unlikely things can get much worse than they've been.

I didn't think Gerry Mulvey was leaving so why thank him for 'his time at the club' ? Could it be that O'Driscoll is involved in this in a personal capacity and it has nothing to do with his role at Joeys ? No obvious reason but then again not sure what joeys would get out of a takeover either.
Anyway, hopefully better times ahead for the club, it would be nice if the only headlines they made going forward were ON the pitch

[Philosophizer]

No obvious reason but then again not sure what joeys would get out of a takeover either.
If Bray had completely folded, as was starting to look likely, Joeys would have lost their place in the national underage leagues since they're effectively the underage club of Bray. By saving bray, he's also saved Joeys place in the underage leagues.