2019 Season Preview: Bray Wanderers

Manager: Gary Cronin

Stadium: Carlisle Grounds

2019 Players in: Paul Keegan (Waterford FC), Derek Daly (Waterford FC), Dylan Barnett (Waterford FC), Gabriel Sava (Dundalk FC), Richard Purdy (Drogheda United), Phillip Gannon (Free Agent), Joe Doyle (Cabinteely), Adam Hayden (Bluebell), Dylan McGlade (Longford Town), Killian Cantwell (Limerick FC), Luka Lovic (UCD)

2019 Players out: Kevin Lynch (Waterford FC), Evan Moran (Dungannon Swifts), Paul O’Connor (Longford Town)

 

extratime.ie Key Man:Paul Keegan

A real statement of intent was made with the signing of former Leeds United and Waterford midfielder, Keegan. The 34 year-old will bring a wealth of experience to the Seagulls and boost their chances of bouncing straight back up to the Premier Division.

extratime.ie One to Watch: Dylan McGlade

Anyone who paid attention to the First Division last year will be aware of how good McGlade can be. The former Longford Town attacking midfielder was named in the league’s team of the year and it will be interesting to see if he can continue that form.

 



How they did last season:

League: 10th (Relegated)

extratime.ie were confident that Bray would be propping up the table at the end of the season and that’s exactly how it panned out. Off-field issues were evident on the pitch as heavy and regular defeats meant the seaside club had their relegation confirmed long before the season end.

FAI Cup: 1st Round

A disappointing 3-1 loss to Finn Harps at home after extra-time.

EA Sports Cup: 1st round



Another home loss and another early exit with a 3-0 defeat to Shelbourne.

 

What to expect this season:

The Seagulls will be hoping to get back to the Premier Division at the first time of asking and this looks very possible. Some good signings this Winter shows the intent in pushing for promotion but there will be stiff competition from the likes of Shelbourne.

Off the field problems from last season seem to have been settled with the club reconnecting with the community and re-signing players such as Hugh Douglas and Sean Heaney. Manager Gary Cronin will be confident that he has put together a side capable of competing and having a real say in where the title ends up this year.

 

Title Odds: 4/1

First game: Cabinteely (A), Friday Feb 22nd

    About Andy Harte

    View Full Profile