Community group formed to run Bray Wanderers
BRAY WANDERERS is seeking a naming sponsor and has formed a community owned company to fund and run the local soccer club.
The announcement about the Wanderers’ restructuring move was made last Friday evening and the new company is called ‘Bray Wanderers Community Football Club.’
The new body will raise funds for the team to help pay the club’s debt and continue to support the club.
It will also apply for permission for a gym, meeting rooms and an all-weather training pitch at Carlisle Grounds.
‘ The old way of running the football club wasn’t working,’ said Club president Philip Hannigan who believes this move will secure the future of the club.
All funds raised by the new company will go back in to the team, the grounds and establishing community-based projects.
‘ The majority of shareholders have agreed that once Bray Wanderers Ltd is unburdened by debt, they will pass ownership of the club over to the new company,’ said Mr. Hannigan.
Club manager Alan Mathews said that he believes the move will help make the Seagulls a force to be reckoned with on the pitch.
A group of prominent business people has volunteered to help steer the club through the changes.
The members of the board are Bray Wanderers President Philip Hannigan; Chamber President Rory Benville, Wanderers Chairman Eddie Cox, MD of Sunbeam House John Hannigan, Peter Byrne of Ulster Bank, Supporter Club Chairman Terry O’Neill and one more position to be confirmed.
‘As a supporter I fully endorse the efforts that are going into this new initiative,’ said Mr. O’Neill.
‘It will be a massive boost for the whole community and could prove to be the template for clubs like ours to thrive in the future.’
Chamber President Rory Benville said that having a vibrant football club brings both social and economic benefits to a town.
‘Success on the pitch and increased community involvement can help drive economic activity off the pitch.’
Meanwhile, the website www.foot.ie has removed its Bray Wanderers section banned all discussion of the club on its forums following reciept of a solicitor’s letter which made reference to alleged defamatory comments in recent weeks.