Veterans put retirement on hold

from www.eleven-a-side.com

Bray Wanderers’ hopes for 2004 received a welcome boost with the news that two seasoned veterans, Maurice Farrell and Eddie Gormley, look set to extend their careers at the Carlisle Grounds by one more year.

Both had been expected to retire at the end of last season, but with the Seagulls just failing to make a return bid to the topflight they have been persuaded to think again.

Left-back Farrell, the club’s longest serving player with 310 first team outings to his credit, has yet to put pen to paper but admitted his intention to continue playing.

Meanwhile, midfielder Gormley, a former title-winner with St Patrick’s Athletic, could acquire some additional coaching duties in what may turn out to be his farewell campaign in a playing capacity.

These developments follow the news that utility player Colm Tresson has agreed to pen a new one-year deal with the seaside club.

However, John Walsh’s future at the club is less clear. The 34-year-old goalkeeper, who almost joined Finn Harps at the start of last season, is reportedly considering his options, while Pat Devlin endeavours to persuade him to stay for another shot at promotion to the Premier Division.