Troubled Bray Wanderers confirm takeover by academy coach Niall O'Driscoll

Bray Wanderers have announced that Niall O'Driscoll has taken a controlling share in the club from Gerry Mulvey, who retains a minority holding.

The involvement of UEFA-licensed coach O'Driscoll is a lifeline for the troubled club, whose long-term viability was at stake following another disastrous season off the pitch.

Wanderers players voted to go on strike earlier this month after the club failed to pay wages for seven weeks – the second successive season the club had failed to meet contractual commitments.

O'Driscoll is the academy director of schoolboy club St Joseph's Boys, with whom the Seagulls have fielded joint underage League of Ireland sides for the past two seasons.

It is understood that O'Driscoll was the unnamed investor who covered the squad's back-wages last week, and he has guaranteed players will continue to be paid for the rest of their contracts.

“I am delighted about this opportunity, having been approached by Gerry,” O'Driscoll said in a statement released by the club on Thursday evening.

“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.”