The new season is nearly upon us with only one week until the big kick off, and I for one can't wait for 7:45 next Friday night.
Wanderers will be looking to put the disappointment of the 2nd half of last season firmly behind them, as it was this period which saw the wanderers being dragged into the relegation dogfight.
The off season for Bray has been a success, although we lost players like Dane Massey & Sean Houston, we have brought back Gary Dempsey among others while keeping hold of Jason Byrne & Marty Waters for another season.
While the club have had a number of plays on trial in the pre-season games, this preview only features those confirmed as signed.
GOALKEEPERS
Bray have once again kept hold of experienced number 1 Darren Quigley. Darren brings a wealth of professionalism and organisation to the back line which will be invaluable as the season progresses.
Sean Holmes signs from LSL side Cherry Orchard. Sean will be Darren's understudy for the new season, replacing Brian Kane who it is expected cannot commit to the wanderers due to work commitments.
DEFENDERS
Bray have a good back line going into the new season. The back four against Waterford consisted of Hyland, O'Connor,Webster & Knight looked calm and composed whenever faced with danger. They weren't afraid to play the ball on the ground between them which was a pleasure to watch. Adam Mitchell has once again signed on and his experience will help the younger lads in the squad. Lets not forget Shane O'Connor who was ever present in the Bray team last season, he will have a big role to play again this season.While Patsy Malone who was an ever present feature in the Wexford Youths team last year links up with the Wanderers.
MIDFIELDERS
This is possibly Bray's strongest area of the squad this season. Danny O'Connor can play in midfield but has recently been converted to a central defender, his versatility will come in handy as the season progresses. From last years squad we retain the experienced Daire Doyle who has looked in great form ahead of the upcoming season. The seagulls also managed to keep hold of Kevin O'Connor, John Mulroy & Dean Zambra. Conor Earley has stood out in preseason and one to watch for the coming season, his link up play with those around him has looked first class. Let's not forget the return of Gary Dempsey, 3 assists against Waterford showed us that he still has got what it takes to play at the highest level.
STRIKERS
Marty Waters can play on the wing but its well known that he loves to play up front and i feel this is where he could have a big role this season. Finishing just behind Jason Byrne in the race for the golden boot last season , the seagulls were lucky to hold onto such an exciting prospect after his first full season at the highest level. Waters will again be able to link up with Wanderers legend Jason Byrne this season. It never looked in doubt that Jayo wouldn't continue again this season and his goals as ever will prove vital to Bray. Shane O'Neill also returns to the Carlisle following his departure to Dundalk last year. However he returns to the wanderers for the 2013 season having endured a torrid time at the lillywhites after manager Sean Mc Caffery left the club & financial restircitions meant he was let go. However for some reason his move back to the wanderers in the summer was blocked and he finished out the season with LSL side Wayside Celtic.
CONCLUSION
Many "Pundits" have tipped Bray to be battling for safety again this year. However having looked at the squads of what would be described as our nearest rivals, I feel that we have stronger and more experienced squads than those around us. We will as ever shock some of the top sides. My prediction is a comfortable mid-table finish. As for the cups, In the LSC we will as ever see youth get their chance to show what they can do.In the EA Sports Cup its hard to tell as we don't know opponent in the next round having received as first round bye. In the FAI Cup I say it every year that I'd love a cup run but I have a good feeling about this year. We could go far with some luck.
All that's left for me to say is, BRING ON THE NEW SEASON.
No comments:
Post a Comment