Martin Russell formally appointed as Bray Wanderers manager

Bray Wanderers have announced the appointment of Martin Russell as first-team manager on a permanent basis ahead of Saturday's visit to Shamrock Rovers.

The Dubliner has been assisting caretaker manager Graham Kelly on a consultancy basis for the past two months and now takes over the job on a full-time basis.

As Kelly doesn't possess the necessary UEFA Pro License to manage in the Premier Division, he's had to step aside after 60 days in the job, a milestone that fell on Friday.

Having assumed the job with the Seagulls on just one point from nine games, Kelly and Russell have presided over a run that's seen them pick up ten points in 12 games, including three wins.

Those results leave the Wicklow club seven points behind Limerick in the relegation play-off spot as former UCD and Limerick boss Russell takes the reigns formally.

The first of those wins came against Saturday night's opponents, Shamrock Rovers, at the Carlisle Grounds.

A club statement read: “Bray Wanderers are delighted to announce the appointment of Martin Russell as 1st team manager.

“Martin has been assisting Graham Kelly in an advisory capacity since he took on the role of caretaker manager.

“We would also like to thank Graham for his huge contribution to the club and look forward to that continuing for many years to come.

“We ask our supporters to get fully behind Martin and the team as we try to work our way up the table towards safety.”

After playing youth football with Manchester United, 51-year-old Russell spent time with Leicester City, Scarborough and Middlesbrough and Portadown before finishing with St Patrick's Athletic.

He spent four years in charge at UCD, guiding the Students to the First Division title in 2009, and two years with Limerick, whom he also guided to the First Division title.