Statement from Denis O’Connor, Chairman, Bray Wanderers FC
26 November 2016
I am pleased that the release of our 5 Year Strategic Plan has created debate and interest – amongst elected public representatives and fans.
We will shortly put an electronic version on our website – www.braywanderersfc.ie
Firstly, the plan is an aspirational plan – what we see as fitting in with a National Club competing in a National competition ranging from Senior, Under 19, Under 17 and soon to be Under 15.
We have set ourselves very high targets – indeed we have from the beginning including resolving many legacy issues.
We have just had a reasonably successful season in the SSE Airtricity Premier League.
However, we want to maintain that momentum and to this end we need to address some issues.
The Club itself operates at a loss and attendances declined in the season just gone.
We kindly operate out of the Carlisle Grounds at the convenience of our Landlord – Wicklow County Council.
This raises all sorts of issues – and the release of the plan has created debate. And that was one of our objectives. And, if there is sufficient interest, we will hold a public meeting to take people through the plan and have a Q&A session. Please let the Club know synthroid generic photos giving your name and contact details if you are interested in such a journey.
We believe that we have much to offer the football community of County Wicklow and have already commenced that journey.
We also believe that we can enhance the football in Bray town and its surrounds – if we have the proper facilities.
In the past 2 two years we set about stabilising the Club – the preparation of a 5 year plan was not in our immediate sights. But the FAI encouraged all 20 Clubs in The League of Ireland to do so – and here we are.
Indeed we have requested a meeting to present to Bray Municipal Council at a public meeting.
As part of this process we now call upon the elected officials of Wicklow to engage with us and indeed to fight for our cause in Dublin. Last year football across Ireland received in excess of €12 million from the public purse. Bray Wanderers has received nothing in the past three years. This has to be rectified and we need our politicians to fight for us.
We thank you all and look forward to engaging with you – the fans, Public and elected representatives.
Kind Regards,
Denis O’Connor
Chairman
Bray Wanderers FC