SEAGULLS ON TRANSFER LIST
Entire Wanderers squad have put themselves forward for a move
AS preparations for the arrival of the runaway league leaders go, Bray Wanderers couldn’t have dreamed up worse. Yesterday, the Seagulls’ squad gave notice that enough was enough in their dealings with the club’s bosses. The players announced, via a statement distributed by the PFAI, they were “placing themselves on the transfer list with immediate effect”. The decision came about a week after the players requested the club provide the PFAI with details of the new investment promised by club chairman Denis O’connor, inset, that would ensure all playing contracts would be honoured. “We felt this was necessary to ensure confidence in our financial security,” read the players’ statement. The details were asked for by close of business last Monday but that deadline wasn’t met by a response and the players still await confirmation of any further investment. The FAI’S club licensing committee engaged with the players but could not furnish any details, but the PFAI’S efforts to meet with the FAI on the issue were not successful. “It is particularly disappointing the FAI have refused to meet with our representatives,” said the players. The last straw for the players came at a meeting arranged on Thursday night that involved the players, Bray officials and the PFAI – but the FAI didn’t accept the players’ invitation to attend. “We reiterated our basic request for details of any new investment and assure that it will be secured, none was provided,” added the players. No timeline for when the club could guarantee the investment was proffered, – and with the July 21 transfer deadline looming, the players are taking action. “We feel we must be afforded the opportunity to gain secure employment elsewhere,” they stated. “For us as players it’s simply about job security. We’ve provided the club and the FAI with ample opportunity to obtain the information but as we are now entering a third week of uncertainty, we feel we must take this action.” The FAI responded by urging the Bray squad to thrash out their issues with club bosses – and that the association would provide an independent intermediary. “Since first being alerted to potential issues at the club, the Association met with club officials to seek clarity on their situation and was encouraged following an update of potential new investment being sought,” read a FAI statement. “The Association can facilitate the appointment of an independent intermediary to assist in talks, and would urge both parties to engage.” Earlier, before the players dropped their bombshell, their manager Harry Kenny expressed the hope the situation could yet be sorted out. “It has been difficult,” Kenny said. “People are looking at their livelihoods, worried about mortgages. “We seem to be getting settled now. Obviously, new investment has come in. We’ll prepare for the Cork game. “I’m confident there’ll be a resolution. I spoke to couple of the club’s directors earlier in the week. They’re confident we have it sorted. “We’ll be relaying that message to the lads in the next few days. We’ll try and get focused on the football.” It could be too late, however.