Gary Cronin confirmed as new manager at the Carlisle Grounds

Hot on the heels of Niall O’Driscoll’s appointment as Bray Wanderers Chairman comes the news that Gary Cronin is to be the club's new first team manager.

Cronin, who spent three seasons at the Carlisle Grounds in the Seagulls’ colours as a player, recently graduated from the UEFA pro-licence course.

The former Middlesbrough player gained managerial experience as caretaker at Longford Town, where he also acted as assistant manager to Tony Cousins and Alan Mathews.

Cronin, who won a First Division medal with Drogheda United during his six seasons as a player at United Park, will take charge of Bray Wanderers in Friday’s Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup second round tie at home to Finn Harps.

“Having finished a long and enjoyable spell with Longford Town at the end of last season, this was exactly the type of fresh challenge I was seeking,” said Cronin who led his first training sessions this week.

“I was very encouraged by the meetings held in recent days with the club’s likeminded new owners, Niall and Tim O’Driscoll, and the work begins straight away.

“My firm belief that our communal target of building a football club, rather than merely a first-team, is achievable, especially with the progress in the Academy.”

Cronin, who started out playing with Dublin’s Stella Maris, is realistically not expecting massive immediate improvement. 

“I’m fully aware we take on this journey together in a realistic manner and this isn’t a quick-fix. However, despite the challenges this season on and off the pitch, I am driven by the project we’re building and positive about a brighter future.”

“In that regard, I am delighted with the latest initiatives to involve fans in the new venture.”

The Seagulls finished sixth in the Premier Division during Cronin’s second playing season at the Carlisle Grounds which was a decade ago.

“As a former Bray Wanderers player, I’m well aware of how passionate the supporters are, so getting those fans back to the Carlisle Grounds, and adding new ones of all ages, will be crucial to our progress.”

Niall O’Driscoll, who last month took a controlling interest in Bray Wanderers, was delighted that the Seagulls’ principal target for the role has agreed to accept the position. “Gary is an ideal fit for what we’re aiming to accomplish at Bray Wanderers FC,” he said. 

“Our objective is not just to help develop young players but also coaches. Gary’s combination of ambition, qualifications and people skills were evident during our discussions and we believe he is the right person to lead the club on our journey.

“Given his career path has involved signing for Middlesbrough from a schoolboy club in his teens, returning to the League of Ireland as player and then coach, he is perfectly placed to impart his knowledge on our squad.”

“It is a stated aim that our first-team, though not exclusively, will be developed upon a nucleus of graduates from the St Joseph’s/Bray Academy as well as top quality players to achieve the clubs objective to compete at the highest level.”

Bray placed on record their gratitude to departing caretaker boss Graham Kelly, who assumed control for a second time this season in trying circumstances after the departure of Martin Russell.

Kelly announcing his own departure from the Carlisle Grounds in a statement where he noted he was “disappointed that it's time for me to say goodbye.”

He confirmed that he plans to apply for his UEFA Pro Licence to allow him to return at some stage to manage and coach in the SSE Airtricity League.

“While at Bray Wanderers I have had the privilege to work alongside some fantastic managers and coaches and the experience of working with and learning from all of them is invaluable and something I will keep with me forever,” said Kelly.

“I must say a special thank you to each and every one of the players who have been a pleasure to work with in some really tough and challenging times this season.

“I must also thank the previous board and club management who gave me the opportunity back in April and then again three weeks ago to step in as caretaker manager. This was a role I did with honour and pride and I tried to do as professionally as I possibly could. 

“Finally I would like to wish Niall and everyone associated with Bray Wanderers best wishes and every success for the future.” 

Additional reporting by Macdara Ferris

We also have an extra special treat for every child at the Carlisle this Friday night. Every child who attends our match against @FinnHarpsFC will get a free ice cream. An even better reason to come down to the Carlisle. Children u14 free with an adult and a free ice cream !!

— Bray Wanderers FC (@BrayWanderers) August 8, 2018