Bray saga rolls on and on and on

The current trend of uncertainty that has surrounded Bray Wanderers shows no sign of changing as there has been a number of major developments in this neverending sagay over the last 24 hours.

Firstly RTE along with numerous national newspapers reported yesterday morning that the recently appointed Trevor Croly had departed the Bray hot seat after less than two months in charge, when he took the reins the former Shamrock Rovers boss made it very clear what would happen if the problems from Alan Mathews time in charge continued to plague the seaside club.

"Players and everyone have to be paid [or else] I won't be here. It's that simple," Croly remarked at his unveiling in Dublin City Centre. And as Croly was nowhere to be seen at the Seagulls 1-0 win over basement side Limerick this seems to confirm his departure from the Carlisle Grounds and a member of the Bray Wanderers board of management told RTÉ Sport that the club was not in a position to make an official statement at present but said that he understood that the newspaper reports were "absolutely correct" but the Wicklow club are still yet to confirm this.

The Bray players themselves then released a statement through the PFAI in the aftermath of last night’s victory which seems to echo the reasons behind Croly’s alleged departure.

“We are extremely disappointed that a number of payments, including some players wages, have not been made on time in recent weeks and months,” read the statement.

“This has caused hardship and distress to those affected and has a detrimental effect on team morale. In circumstances where results had been improving after a difficult start to the season, it is extremely unfortunate that such uncertainties detract from what should be our sole focus - getting results,” continued the Wanderers playing staff.

“We as players have taken onus on ourselves in the past few days to arrange training and to prepare for the Limerick game” which confirms that Trevor Croly and his backroom staff have been nowhere to be seen over the past few days.

The statement then concluded by informing the media and indeed the League of Ireland public that the relationship and trust between the club and it’s playing staff are close to reaching a point beyond repair with a number of players now considering their futures at the Carlisle Grounds.

In response to this Bray chairman Denis O’Connor offered his own statement in a well worded press release this morning suggesting that there has been no contact from the PFAI and that all players and coaching staff have been fully paid their wages to date.

“There were problems with three player’s payments this week which was due to a clerical issue which the Club are investigating,” wrote O’Connor

He also dismissed rumours of a transfer embargo and that the club would seek to resolve the ongoing issues with the players over the coming days.

“The players have been invited to and have agreed to a “clear the air” meeting early this week and I am confident that we can address all issues successfully.”

The plot was thickened further with Dundalk’s title winning goalkeeper Peter Cherrie joining the Seagulls from Belfast side Cliftonville, which seems to be an unexpected and potentially risky signing considering the precarious financial situation that the club is supposedly facing.

While things seem to be going right on the pitch for Bray with Dave Scully’s last ditch winner against Limerick last night leaving Bray buoyant above Derry in ninth place clear of the relegation places, the onfield issues at the Premier Division club are unlikely to be cleared up anytime soon as the rollercoaster season for the Seagulls just keeps on giving.

Denis O’Connor statement in full:

I have just become aware of a statement in the media which states that “the players released a statement through the PFAI confirming problems with payment.” In the first instance I am extremely disappointed that such a statement would be issued without the courtesy of the PFAI having consulted the Club.

We have had no contact from the PFAI this season in any respect.

It is also disappointing that there is no confirmation that all players and coaching staff are fully paid their wages to date. There were problems with three players payments this week which was due to a clerical issue which the Club are investigating. These problems were sorted out within 24 hours of my becoming aware of them.

In respect of an allegation that there has been a transfer or registration  embargo imposed on the Club, this was and is entirely untrue. I have only been involved for a short period in the Club – but have always prioritised the players payments and welfare and most of the squad would be aware of this from the crisis last season.

A good win by the squad is forgotten by the timing of such a statement. One that does not take account of the voluntary efforts being made in a Club which   suffers financially year in year out but continues to use best efforts not just for its senior squad but right down to youth in the Club.

The players have been invited to and have agreed to a "clear the air" meeting early this week and I am confident that we can address all issues successfully.

The Club are considering the position as regards Trevor Croly and his contract of employment with the Club– we will issue a statement at the appropriate time.

Denis O’Connor July 5th 2015

Chairman, Bray Wanderers FC.