BRAY RELIEF AFTER MATCH FIXING PROBE

BRAY WANDERERS chiefs are ‘relieved’ the probe into match-fixing allegations has ended, declaring: “It has not been easy.”

League chief Fran Gavin (left) revealed on Thursday that a five-month investigation into the Seagulls friendly defeat to Waterford proved inconclusive.

Having interviewed 25 people, there was insufficient evidence to bring any charges and an FAI case is now closed.

But Gavin noted it could be reopened if new evidence materialised.

The Bray Wanderers players had always denied any wrongdoing.

And today a Bray Wanderers statement read: “The club fully cooperated with the FAI and An Garda Siochana in the course of their investigations.

“Thursday’s statement is a relief to everyone in the club and to the fans.

“The club, the players, the management and coaching staff have had a stressful and difficult five months since these allegations broke.

“We wish to thank the many people who passed on messages of support and encouragement through this time.”

The statement went on to thank former Seagulls boss Harry Kenny (right) his staff and players for showing “real professionalism and dignity.”

“We also want to thank those who stood by the club – to our new manager Dave Mackey, his coaches and the new arrivals,” it continued.

“We look forward to the 2018 season and ask all Seagulls supporters to make a real effort to show support and get behind the team.” Bray Wanderers tart their league campaign away to Dundalk on Friday before hosting St Pat’s at the Carlisle Grounds on February 23.