Season Preview 2017 - Bray Wanderers

Manager: Harry Kenny

Stadium: Carlisle Grounds

Players in: Keith Buckley (Bohemians), Aaron Greene (Limerick FC), Gary McCabe (Shamrock Rovers), Derek Foran (Sacremento Republic FC), Anthony Flood (Free Agent)

Players out: Andrew Lewis (mutual agreement), Chris Lyons (Shelbourne), Paul Finnegan (Cliftonville)

Extratime.ie Key Man: Dylan Connolly

In the aftermath of Daryl Horgan’s exit to Preston North End, Connolly seemed destined to take the Galway man’s place at Oriel Park but in a surprising move the Ireland U-21 international put pen to paper on a new two-year deal with the Seagulls instead.

Upon returning from a difficult spell at Ipswich the former Shels man found himself enjoying his football once again at the Carlisle Grounds. While seven goals in 35 games put down a marker, Connolly will have to push on if he plans on living up to his billing as one of the best young players in the division.  

Extratime.ie One to Watch: Gary McCabe

I could have chosen any one of the new signings here but it will be interesting to see how McCabe will adapt to life at the Carlisle Grounds after five years at Shamrock Rovers.

McCabe was one of the Hoops most consistent performers in recent years so perhaps it was a surprise to some to see him headed for the exit door after over 150 appearances. He is no stranger to Wicklow coast as the Seagulls where his first senior club and in landing his signature they have got their hands on a senior campaigner who will no doubt add something to the team and chip in with his fair share of goals.     

How they did last season:

League: 6th

FAI Cup: 2nd Round (Lost 2:0 V UCD)

EA Sports Cup: Quarter Final (Lost 3:2 V St. Pats)

What to expect this season:

While there were small gains made on 2015’s showing, it’s safe to say last season was one of consolidation for the Seagulls after spells of uncertainty both on and off the pitch in recent seasons.
On first inspection it appears that Bray have done some astute business in the close season; retaining the majority of the squad, bringing in a handful of seasoned campaigners and announcing an ambitious five-year plan.

Perhaps a full season under the tutelage of Harry Kenny can bring the consistency that has escaped the Wicklow side in the recent past, but such is the competition at the summit of the table it would be almost unimaginable to see them make any major improvements nevermind the breakthrough to European football in 2017.
  

Title Odds: 20/1

First game: v St Pats (A) 24^th February 2017.