Season Preview 2008: Bray Wanderers

After a ninth place finish in 2007 was secured on the final day, Bray Wanderers will be looking to build on this in 2008. There have been many comings and goings at the Carlisle Grounds over the winter months as manager Eddie Gormley looks to improve his squad.

The biggest loss has been captain Clive Delaney, who has signed for Derry City. Keeper Stevie Williams, creative midfielder Paul Caffrey, full-back Derek Tyrell, striker David O'Sullivan and defender Chris Deans have all left for the newly-formed Sporting Fingal. Promising winger Jay O'Shea has signed for Galway United, with Keith Kelch moving to Longford Town. Stephen Gough and Ross Zambra have been released while veteran forward Stephen Fox has retired.

Joining the club for the 2008 campaign are Shamrock Rovers trio Ger Rowe, Andy Myler and Derek Pender, 2007 league winner with Drogheda United Gavin Whelan and Kevin Doherty of Longford. Keeper Gavin McInerney and Irish U-19 defender Derek Foran (loan) have joined from Saint Patrick’s Athletic. John Flood has also returned to the club following a spell at Dalkey. 2007 Player of the Year Alan Cawley has extended his stay at Bray along with winger Patrick Kavanagh, who joined in July from Birmingham City.

Bray fans will be hoping that Cawley can continue his good form which saw him pick up the Player of the Year award last season and finish as Wanderers’ top scorer with seven goals. More goals will be expected from Myler and Rowe, who hit ten and six respectively for Rovers last season. Foran and Doherty will be looked to shore up central defence following the loss of Clive Delaney. The exciting prospects of Gary McCabe and Kavanagh will be something to look forward to for Wanderers fans.

However, the loss of many fringe players may cause problems for Wanderers when injuries and suspensions pile up. At the moment, the club have two senior goalkeepers in Chris O'Connor and McInerney while up front there are only five options in Paul Dunphy, Andrei Georgescu, Andy Myler, Ger Rowe and Emeika Onwubiko. Gormley will be hoping the strength in midfield will carry the team up the league this season.

Last season Wanderers were recognised for their footballing approach and their promising youngsters McCabe, O’Shea and Onwubiko. This season Gormley has added experience to the squad in a hope to get the right blend which would see the Seagulls improve on their ninth place finish.

Defence will be a key area to improve in the Wanderers’ fortune this season. In 2007, Bray conceded 48 goals - the second worst record in the league. More goals are a must as Bray only struck 30 in the league. A 3-0 win over nine-men Rovers in September was their biggest winning margin in the league.

Strong home form was undoubtedly what kept Wanderers up last season, with 23 of their 34 points coming at the Carlisle Grounds, including draws with St. Patrick's Athletic, Cork City and Derry City and wins over Bohemians and Rovers. There are signs of hope away from home with impressive draws at Cork and champions Drogheda and a win over Galway.

All in all, there is room for improvement at Bray and with the signing of experienced campaigners in Doherty, Whelan and Pender and a proven goalscorer in Myler, Wanderers will surely be able to avoid relegation.