It has been confirmed that Niall O’Driscoll has assumed a controlling interest in Bray Wanderers Football Club.
Niall, who has been involved in football at various levels for over 40 years, is honoured to take over the club having been approached by club Chairman Gerry Mulvey.
In what is an exciting time for League of Ireland football, with the creation of the national underage leagues, Niall’s primary objective is to ensure the Seagulls retains its core values of being club embedded in the local Bray community and further afield into the Wicklow county.
While building a club that is sustainable into the long-term represents the main priority, our immediate aim is to put the recent turbulence behind us by helping the team to retain Premier Division status.
“I am delighted about this opportunity, having been approached by Gerry,” said Niall.
“I firmly believe that by working closely with the local community, staff and volunteers, we can develop Bray Wanderers into a club that the people of Wicklow are proud of.
“On a personal level, I have close connections with Bray Wanderers.
“Members of my wife’s family, the McEvoys, were involved from the 1950s and, as Chairman of St Joseph’s Boys in Sallynoggin, I helped introduce the long-standing partnership that last year created the St Joseph’s Bray (SJB) Academy based at Carrickmines.
“My background at youth development, as a UEFA-licenced coach and manager of both boys and girls teams at local and national level, naturally forms my view that home-produced players are the key to the future of Bray Wanderers.
“Already, our Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 teams are competitive at national level and there will be a clear strategy of maintaining that pathway into senior level.
“I would encourage the people of Wicklow, fans and businesses, to support their local club, starting with Friday’s important match at the Carlisle Grounds against champions Cork City. Bring the kids along for what should be a great evening of football.”
Niall will be hosting information meetings for supporters in the coming weeks; the dates and venues of which to be confirmed on the club website.
ENDS