Wicklow soccer fans trying to get their heads around developments at Bray Wanderers are being asked to keep faith with the embattled club. Denis O'Connor has been talking to Today FM Sport about where the club is at right now after 25 hours of turmoil sparked by the departure of manager Alan Mathews. Not wanting to get into the specifics of claims made in the exit statement of the club boss due to what looks like impending litigation, O'Connor appealed to fans to keep faith with the club.
The Under 19 boss Maciej Tarnogrodzi wont have too much time to circle the wagons having been appointed as caretaker manager in the interim.
The Wicklow side sit bottom of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division, having lost their opening five matches without scoring a single goal but O'Connor says the playing squad seems to be bearing up well despite the off field distractions.
An illustration of how difficult it is to keep the show on the road in Ireland today.
Here is the Alan Mathews statement in full.
"We as a Management team believe that there is a complete breakdown in communication, appreciation and toleration of our roles.
Our commitment to the Football Club was total and that included securing much needed investment.
While acknowledging that results have been disappointing both staff and players have been working tirelessly to improve on this and were prepared to keep working to achieve a solution. Unfortunately circumstances beyond our control have now prevailed and the position of the entire management team (who remain unpaid) has become untenable.
Furthermore due to a number of issues relating to the conduct of senior officers of the Football Club some formal complaints have been received which is damaging the morale and good name of Bray Wanderers Football Club.
We wish to disassociate ourselves with the direction the Football Club is heading under the current stewardship and we can no longer serve the Club in a professional manner.
It is with regret that we have taken this decision. We admire and respect the great support and strong tradition Bray Wanderers FC has enjoyed for many years
Sadly, with the delays in payments to a group of very professional and dedicated players morale has been further eroded.
Our concern is that football too will suffer unless the Club is re-organised and re-structured to realise the potential Bray Wanderers FC has.
This matter is now in the hands of our solicitors and we will make no further comment.
Many Thanks
Alan Mathews
Barry O'Connor
Josh Moran
Ed Foley
Karl Brauner
Dylan O'Neill
