Bray Wanderers appoint Dave Mackey as their new manager

Bray Wanderers can finally begin planning for the 2018 SSE Airtricity League of Ireland season having appointed a new manager, with Dave Mackey taking the reins at the Carlisle Grounds.

 

Mackey, 57, has previously spent time at the Wicklow club between January 2008 and December 2013, during which time he occupied several roles including the position of assistant manager as well as taking charge of the Wanderers’ Under-19s side and A Team.

 

He has most recently been involved with Leinster Senior League side Wayside Celtic, having spent two seasons coaching under Eddie Gormley at Cabinteely.

 

“Bray Wanderers Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Dave Mackey as First Team Manager,” read a statement on the club’s official website on St. Stephen’s Day.

 

“Dave takes up his role with 30+ years [of] experience as a player, coach and manager in the League of Ireland and boasts a proven track record in recruitment and development of young players for first team football.”

 



As things stand, only Aaron Greene, Keith Buckley, Darragh Noone and Kevin Lynch remain under contract in Bray ahead of the 2018 season.

 

Mackey’s appointment appears to suggest that the club’s focus will likely return to the promotion of youth into their first team, something the new boss has plenty of experience in.

 

Chris Shields, Dane Massey, Dave Webster, Kieran ‘Marty’ Waters, Ismahil Akinade, Stephen McGuinness and Pierce Sweeney all progressed into the first team during his previous spell at the seaside, as highlighted in the statement announcing his appointment.

 



Uncertainty still surrounds what lies in the immediate future for the Seagulls, and their priority now turns to putting together a squad capable of competing in the Premier Division, having already lost a number of last year’s first team.