Gormley relishing 'return' to top flight
Credit:
The Cork City “will they, wont they” saga was just as keenly felt outside the "Peoples Republic” at Bray Wanderers Carlisle Grounds. The Wicklow club underneath the stewardship of Eddie Gormley were preparing in earnest for a season in the First Division.
With the court battle drawing out throughout pre-season- before coming to its conclusion- this left Wanderers and Gormley planning for a tilt at promotion rather than battling for survival in the Premier a point alluded to by Gormley as he considered re-instatement to the top tier:
“Everything was geared for a season in the First Division. I’m obviously delighted we’re back up. Ideally it would have been better for a conclusion to be reached sooner than turned out. It is disappointing as any plans you have are on hold.”
“We have benefited from Corks misfortune, its sad to lose such a big club from the Premier but its an opportunity for us and one we look forward to. They are a big club to lose, it’s a huge bonus for us but I take no joy in seeing Cork drop ” he added.
Gormley has been quick to act in light of an increased budget as the anticipated fruits of the Premier loom, re-signing Robbie Doyle and Richie Baker to the ranks. Both players have a wealth of experience to call from and when you include the prodigious talent of Chris Shiels and Dean Zambra in the middle and Brian Kane between the sticks Bray look to have something to build upon.
Gormley is quite frank by recognising there is still a pressing need to add to his squad even further: “Up until the final ruling we were unable to get many players in on loan with the uncertainty surrounding it. We are a well run club and although everyone would like a few more bob to play with we’ll work within our means and strengthen in some areas that still need strengthening.”
The realities of working within a manageable budget is something Bray Wanderers have, to their credit, managed over the past number of years and although the once Bray player Gormley would obviously like a free reign he acknowledges what he has to work with: “We’ve always lived within our means so in that regard you know where you stand. I’d still be quite hopeful of adding a few”.
The targets have understandably shifted and Gormley is forthright in his aims and expectations for the coming campaign as they now undertake a fight for survival. “Realistically we are not going to win the league. We will be looking to consolidate. We will aim for a few good cup runs as our best chance of silverware but the league will be a test for everyone this term.”
“Every week is going to be a challenge with so many teams looking strong and Dundalk will be no different. Ian (Foster) has assembled a side full of quality and it will be a tough game. They have some smashing players such as Alan Cawley but we’ll be up for it”.
The once Bray novice no nonsense manager has always been up front on every issue and expect no different this term as they look to cement their place in the top tier. Additions such as Derek Tyrell and the re signing of the veteran Colm Tresson will surely give the likes of Paddy Kavanagh’s sibling James great exposure to what is required to make it at this level.
If Bray can add a few more key personnel don’t be surprised if they upset the current odds with their blend of youth and experience – performing a few upsets along the way. Up first is the stern test of Dundalk at the Carlisle Grounds on the opening weekend. Regardless of that, Bray and Gormley are sure to be in better stead in the coming weeks, an undoubted plus for the league as a whole.
With the court battle drawing out throughout pre-season- before coming to its conclusion- this left Wanderers and Gormley planning for a tilt at promotion rather than battling for survival in the Premier a point alluded to by Gormley as he considered re-instatement to the top tier:
“Everything was geared for a season in the First Division. I’m obviously delighted we’re back up. Ideally it would have been better for a conclusion to be reached sooner than turned out. It is disappointing as any plans you have are on hold.”
“We have benefited from Corks misfortune, its sad to lose such a big club from the Premier but its an opportunity for us and one we look forward to. They are a big club to lose, it’s a huge bonus for us but I take no joy in seeing Cork drop ” he added.
Gormley has been quick to act in light of an increased budget as the anticipated fruits of the Premier loom, re-signing Robbie Doyle and Richie Baker to the ranks. Both players have a wealth of experience to call from and when you include the prodigious talent of Chris Shiels and Dean Zambra in the middle and Brian Kane between the sticks Bray look to have something to build upon.
Gormley is quite frank by recognising there is still a pressing need to add to his squad even further: “Up until the final ruling we were unable to get many players in on loan with the uncertainty surrounding it. We are a well run club and although everyone would like a few more bob to play with we’ll work within our means and strengthen in some areas that still need strengthening.”
The realities of working within a manageable budget is something Bray Wanderers have, to their credit, managed over the past number of years and although the once Bray player Gormley would obviously like a free reign he acknowledges what he has to work with: “We’ve always lived within our means so in that regard you know where you stand. I’d still be quite hopeful of adding a few”.
The targets have understandably shifted and Gormley is forthright in his aims and expectations for the coming campaign as they now undertake a fight for survival. “Realistically we are not going to win the league. We will be looking to consolidate. We will aim for a few good cup runs as our best chance of silverware but the league will be a test for everyone this term.”
“Every week is going to be a challenge with so many teams looking strong and Dundalk will be no different. Ian (Foster) has assembled a side full of quality and it will be a tough game. They have some smashing players such as Alan Cawley but we’ll be up for it”.
The once Bray novice no nonsense manager has always been up front on every issue and expect no different this term as they look to cement their place in the top tier. Additions such as Derek Tyrell and the re signing of the veteran Colm Tresson will surely give the likes of Paddy Kavanagh’s sibling James great exposure to what is required to make it at this level.
If Bray can add a few more key personnel don’t be surprised if they upset the current odds with their blend of youth and experience – performing a few upsets along the way. Up first is the stern test of Dundalk at the Carlisle Grounds on the opening weekend. Regardless of that, Bray and Gormley are sure to be in better stead in the coming weeks, an undoubted plus for the league as a whole.
