Bray Latest Team in

[Poor Student]

Which means they've paid last year's tax bill. Doesn't mean they're able to pay this year's one necessarily.

Considering that other clubs have asked their players to take wage cuts, deferrals, not paid their players or begged for emergency fundraising strangely it means the fact that Bray have only sought wage cuts now probably indicates they're doing better than at least half the Premier Division.

I know it's been said many times over the last few months but it's a kick in the teeth to UCD. All the clubs around us have struggled to pay players' wages this season. It means they've inflated wages demands of potential players we could have signed and have probably beaten us to players we wanted to sign because of it. Yes, those clubs are suffering financially, but the likes of Bray are essentially safe whereas we're done for. I accept we could and should have done more on the pitch to stay up but it's worth a thought.

[Mr A]

The transition to the 10 team league was always going to put massive pressure on clubs to overspend this year.

It was a stupid idea and has done a lot of damage to clubs as they all know how damaging a period in the graveyard can be.

[pineapple stu]

Considering that other clubs have asked their players to take wage cuts, deferrals, not paid their players or begged for emergency fundraising strangely it means the fact that Bray have only sought wage cuts now probably indicates they're doing better than at least half the Premier Division.

Absolutely; just challenging the original post. It's possible that Bray are even just above the 65% wage cap level, and by cancelling some wages, they'll come back under. Though I would doubt that, to be honest.

[Sunny Jim]

According to this week's Westmeath Independent, Athlone Town haven't paid players or staff for the last five weeks, and they may not be paid before the season ends. You have to wonder how long they can keep going. Not sure they'll even manage to get a First Division licence for 2009.

[Dodge]

wait, so people who've been saying clubs should cut spending on players, now use the fact that they've doen that to say they're in trouble?

Just seems like Bray spotted the error of their ways before it got out of hand (and after they stayed up, obviously)

[pineapple stu]

There is the option of simply being able to pay your players. It's an unusual one, but it's a Plan C omitted from your post.

If you consider cutting players' wages to be a last-ditch cash-saving resort, then Bray could be in financial trouble, especially with the report in the Indo that money is tight because a property developer has pulled out his investment. That makes it sound more like being stuck for cash than trynig to sneak under the (now non-existent) 65% wage cap. Also, cutting wages with three weeks of the season to go sounds like being stuck for cash instead of trying to make budget.

[Dodge]

As has been pointed out, their crowds have been very disppointing. When you add that to a backer pulling out, and the fact they lasted until only 3 games from the end of the season before having to cut 40%, I'd say they aren't in any real trouble, just stopping the rot.

They fact they're budgeting lower next year (but not as low as 40%) would help that claim

(and by no means am I saying any club is "safe", I'm just pointing out that Bray aren't one of the worst)

[pineapple stu]

(and by no means am I saying any club is "safe", I'm just pointing out that Bray aren't one of the worst)

Fair enough. I agree with that summary, with the proviso that ultimately, I don't know what's really happening there.

[Jersey Cow]

If I was UCD I would be cracking up with this news...its obvious Bray knew they were in trouble along time ago, continued to operate and now they are safe can announce this news!!..its very wrong!!

[Mr A]

But Bray have always looked safe in fairness. And if that was their motivation surely they would have held out til after the game against Cobh on Friday?